2232 
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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


v    --"     r' ••'  4     .•-_ 


GIORDANO. 


BY  JAMES  LAWSON, 

AUTHOR  OF  "  TALES  AND  SKETCHES,"  &C. 


"  .Iccipc  iiuuc  insidias-"—yir. 


NEW- YORK : 
E.  D.  CLAYTON— G.  &  C.  <So  H.  CARVILL. 

1832. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1832,  by  Clayton  &.  Van  Nordcn,  in 
the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Southern  District  of  New- York. 


NEW-YORK  : 

CLAYTON   a   VAN   NORDKN,   PRINTERS, 

No.  49  William-street. 


PS 

aU 

LHI 


t 


PROSPER  MONTGOMERY  WETMORE, 

AS  A  RECORD  OF  HIS  WORTH, 
AS  A  TRIBUTE  TO  HIS  GENIUS; 

AND, 
AS  A  TOKEN  OF  ESTEEM, 

THIS  TRAGEDY  IS  INSCRIBED, 

BY    HIS    FRIEND, 

THE  AUTHOR, 


-1 


PROLOGUE. 

BY    WILLIAM    LEGGETT. 

SPOKEN   BY    MU.    BARRY. 

To  rouse  each  slumbering  passion  of  the  breast, 
Bid  cowering  guilt  his  hideous  form  detest, 
Add  grace  to  goodness,  energy  to  truth. 
Ardour  to  age,  and  thoughtfulness  to  youth, 
With  guileless  mirth  the  ills  of  life  t'  assuage, 
For  these  did  Wisdom  first  erect  the  Stage. 

There,  breathless  Wonder,  with  dilated  eyes, 
Saw  the  pale  shades  of  former  ages  rise—" 
Caught  from  the  hero's  glance  a  kindred  glow, 
Or  mourned  with  real  tears  dissembled  wo  ; 
With  shuddering  awe,  heard  mad  Ambition  own 
The  crimes  that  raised  him  to  his  tottering  throne ; 
And  learned  that  power,  achieved  by  guilty  deed, 
Decks  with  false  glare  the  head  it  dooms  to  bleed — 
\  .As  the  red  flames  which  burning  domes  illume, 

• -^n'ff  n  — ~~"**l'''"'**<t**'*'M^*>7-»iMt"*'<'**^^ 

Mock  what  they  gild,  and  whilst  they  light,  consume 

True  to  the  purpose  of  the  scenic  p<«ge, 
An  untried  bard  this  night  employs  the  stage ; 
From  no  wild  tale  of  necromantic  sprite 
He  draws  the  scene,  to  charm  your  dazzled  sight, 
But  boldly  copies  nature's  mazy  chart 
Of  vice  and  virtue,  to  instruct  the  heart. 


VI 


Here  learn  what  terrors  rack  Guilt's  throbbing  breast, 
And  pale  his  cheek,  though  fortune -light  his  crest: 
What  generous  ardor  glows  in  honor's  form, 
Great  in  the  calm,  and  greater  in  the  storm. 

Such  are  the  scenes  our  bard  presents  to  view, 
And  trembling  trusts  to  nature  and  to  you. 
Mar  not  his  hope — be  candid,  yet  be  just ; 
Praise  where  you  ought,  blame  only  where  you  must. 


DRAMATIS  PERSONS, 

As  first  performed  at  Ihe  Park  Theatre,  JVew-ForJfc,  November,  1328. 


DUKE  or  FLORENCE, Mr.  Phillips. 

COLONNI,  his  Son,  -  -  Mr.  Ritchings. 

GIORDANO,     ---  Mr.  Barry. 

CONRADINE,  in  love  with  Imelda,  -  -  Mr.  Simpson. 

MANIRT,      1 Mr.  Porter. 

V  Senators. 

CAVILIDO,  ) -- Mr.  T.  Placide. 

NERI,  Captain  of  Guards,  and  friend  of  Giordano,  -  -  -  Mr.  Woodhull. 

COSMO,  Chief  of  the  Outlaw  Conspirators,   - Mr.  Nexsen. 

IMELDA,  daughter  of  the  Duke,  ------ Mrs.  Hilson. 

BELLA,  her  Attendant, Mrs.  Wallack. 

• 
Senators,  Officers,  Soldiers,  Citizens,  Conspirators,  a  Jailer, 

Attendants,  6fc. 
SCENE— FLORENCE. 


GIORDANO 


ACT    I. 

SCENE  T.  The  Palace.  A  flourish.  Enter  the  D(JKE,Co- 
LONNI,  MANIRT,  CAVILIDO,  and  Attendants:  then  enter  on 
USHER. 

Usher.  HERE'S  one  without,  and  newly  from  the  camp, 
Who  seems  of  rank  ;  he  prays  your  royal  grace, 
Will  grant  him  audience. 

Duke.  Bid  him  heforc  us.  f^?//  TTSHEn- 

He  brings  us  tidings  of  a  joyous  note — 
The  last  despatches  from  our  loyal  chief, 
The  brave  Giordano,  told  that  with  the  foe 
He  was  on  eve  of  battle. 

Col.  He  is  one, 

My  liege  and  father,  worthy  of  all  love. 

2 


JO  GIORDANO.  Act  I. 

Re-enter  USHER,  and  an  OFFICER. 

Duke.  What  tidings,  captain,  bring  you  from  the  camp  ? 

Offi.  Our  nohle  general  has  met  the  foe, 
And  victory  perch'd  upon  his  tempered  shield  : 
But  these  despatches  will  inform  your  grace, 
Of  more  than  my  poor  knowledge  can  explain. 

Duke.   We  love  the  herald  of  such  happy  news, 
And  shall  anon  requite  him. 

Man.  Say,  good  Captain, 
How  stood  young  Conradine  the  shock  of  battle  ? 

Offi.  Like  one,  whose  training  for  an  aire  had  been, 
Amidst  the  din  of  war  :  he  bravely  fought, 
And  veterans  yield  him  well  deserved  praise. 

Man.  Then  is  a  double  victory  achieved  ! 

Duke.  This  adds  new  lustre  to  our  country's  fame. 
Giordano,  pride  and  glory  of  the  realm, 
Has  tamed  the  haughty  foe  :  herein  he  speaks 
With  most  becoming  modesty,  and  gives 
Unto  each  soldier  of  whate'er  degree, 
So  much  renown  he  nothing  claims  himself. 
Above  them  all,  our  Conradine  is  named 
In  terms  of  special  praise.     Thou'it  meet  our  favour. 
We  must  confer  on  this  : — your  leisure,  friends. 

Flourish.     Exeunt. 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  11 


SCENE  II.     A  street.     Enter  IV ER*. 

The  battle's  won  ;  Giordano  will  return 
With  greener  laurels  circled  round  his  brow. 
He  is  my  cherished  friend,  and  to  his  power 
Am  I  indebted  for  the  rank  I  hold, 
And  therefore  I  have  made  his  cause  rny  own — • 
That  noble  cause,  which,  from  his  throne  will  hurl 
The  reigning  despot,  and  a  nation  free. 
He's  ignorant  of  his  heart,  but  well  I  know 
He  needs  a  spur  to  rouse  his  nature  up. 
That  I  will  be: — first,  for  my  love  to  him  ; 
And  second,  for  the  State  lacks  skilful  hands, 
To  weed  the  useless  roots  that  waste  its  sap. 
But  more  than  all,  revenge  will  then  be  mine  ; — 
Revenge  for  wrongs  which  fester  on  my  heart. 
My  wife  already  sways  us  powerful  friends — 
He  comes,  he  comes!     My  lord! 

Enter  GIORDANO. 

('dor.  JN'eri,   my  friend! 

Ncri.  I  give  you  joy  upon  your  safe  return  : 
The  great  achievement  has  spread  wide  your  fame. 
The  city  i.s  alive  with  joy,  and  all 


12  GIORDANO.  Act  I. 

Sound  forth  your  name  in  terms  of  wondrous  praise. 

Gior.  'Twill  do  our  cause  some  service. 

Neri.  Sooth  it  will. 
But  is  it  done  ?  Is  Conradine  despatched  ? 

Gior.  Ay  ;  Cosmo  did  his  duty  well. 

Neri.  And  thou  ? 

Gior.  I'm  blameless  as  the  unstained  sword. 

Neri.  Thank  heaven ! 

Gior.  The  best  of  chances  brought  the  headstrong  fool, 
Colonui,  in  my  way;  I  touch'd  him  on't — 
And  now  he's  gone,  wild  as  a  wounded  bear, 
Unto  the  Duke  > — nay,  more,  I've  spared  no  pains 
To  pass  the  tale  from  ear  to  greedy  ear. 
A  look  of  sorrow  and  a  word  of  praise, 
Was  my  addition  to  the  tale  of  death  ; 
While,  when  1  hinted  at  Mauiri's  plots, 
I  seemed  to  feel  all  that  a  subject  feels, 
When  treason  threatens  to  depose  his  liege. 

Neri.  My  lord,  be  bold  in  act  as  thou'rt  in  word, 
And  greatness  will  be  thine.     How  of  the  Duke  ? 

Gior.  To  him  official  notice  I  have  sent, 
With  one  remembrance  to  his  weeping  daughter, 
Whom  I  must  win — my  heart  inclines  to  her. 

Neri.  All  will  go  well. 

Gior.  All  shall  go  well.     I  am  ! 
When  saw  you  Cosmo's  band  ? 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  13 

Neri.  This  hour,  my  lord  : 
The  gold  you  gave  I  lavished  on  them  all, 
The  which  has  proved  them  men  of  daring  souls/ 

Gio-r.  Did  they  unto  your  reasons  lend  their  thoughts  ? 

Ncri.  As  on  the  issue  every  hope  they  placed. 

Gior.  When  meet  you  them  again  ? 

Neri.  At  dawn  of  day 
We  meet  to-morrow  in  the  Sibyl's  cave : 
I'll  then  inform  them  all  that  thou  hast  done, 
And  urge  them  on  as  our  occasions  need. 

Gior.  Thou  wilt  do  right. 

Neri.  There  thou,  my  lord,  must  be, 
And  ably  use  thy  smooth-tongued  eloquence, 
That,  should  they  need  a  prompter  to  the  act, 
Thou  mayst  inspire  them  all. 

Gior    I  will  be  there. 
But  let  us  part ;   I  think  it  is  not  well, 
That  we  together  meet  observing  eyes, 
For  it  might  wake  suspicion  to  our  deeds. 

Neri.  My  lord,  do  idle  fears  still  sway  thy  mind  ? 

Gior.  I  act  with  prudence,  not  with  fear  I'm  ruled. 
But  let  us  part :  I'll  straightwith  to  the  palace, 
And  learn  how  all  our  projects  prosper  there ; 
A  smile  or  tear  is  ready  at  command, 


14  GIORDANO.  Act  I. 

To  meet  each  new  occasion.     Thou  to  the  cave  : 
My  friend,  farewell. 

Neri.  Be  strong  of  heart.     Farewell.  [Exit. 

Manet  GIORDANO. 

Yes  !  I  remember  that  an  eaglet,  thrice 

Forsook  his  lofty  eyry  in  the  sky, 

To  light  upon  my  head,  when  but  a  hoy, 

And  seemed  delighted  with  its  perching  place. 

Then,  though  no  taller  than  my  sword,  I  vowed 

That  I  would  fill  the  ducal  throne.     Old  hags 

Foretold  I'd  he  ambitious  and  renowned  : 

Methinks,  like  oracles,  they've  spoken  truth. 

Now  sleeps  young  Conradine,  ne'er  more  to  wake  : 

He  stood  before  me  in  my  hopes  of  love, 

A  venoui'd  serpent  in  my  path  to  fame  ; 

lint  1  have  crushed  him — and  he  stings  no  more. 

To-night  Maniri  by  his  pupil  falls, 

Urged  on  by  this  audacious  fabrication  : 

Too  much  I  feare.d  his  scrutinizing  eye. — 

Thou  glorious  sun !   shed  down  thy  golden  beams, 

Shine  on  !  and  nurse  the  laurels  planted  here, 

And  make  the  wreath  of  everlasting  green, 

That  it  mav  shadow  all  the  daturd's  deeds, 


Scene  III.  GIORDANO.  15 

And  in  the  selfsame  shade  scarf  darkly  up 

The  son's  pretensions  to  succeed  the  sire. 

Now  to  the  palace;  joy  awhile  reigned  there 

For  public  weal — for  private  grief,  laments. 

I'll  mock  the  time,  and  suit  myself  to  both.  [Exit. 

SCENE  III.     Enter  Ike  DUKE  and  COLONNI. 

Duke.  A  day  so  happy  and  so  hapless  too, 
So  fraught  with  strange  events,  was  never  seen. 
The  battle's  won,  for  that  we  all  rejoice ; 
The  plot  is  known  and  that  we  shall  suppress — 
But  Conradine  is  dead! — forever  gone! 

CoL  This  is  a  prologue  to  unruly  times: 
A  bold  and  quick  resolve  alone  preserves 
The  country's  safety  and  our  house's  reign. 

Duke.  How  was't  discovered  ?  let  me  know  the  truth. 

Col.  Giordano,  in  his  letters  has  announced, 
That  he  by  chance  a  knowledge  of  it  gained  : 
He  has  arrived.    I  met  him  hither  bound, 
And  from  him  learned  a  history  of  the  plot. 
Which  he  had  neither  time  nor  power  to  write: 
And  my  impatience  has  o'erstepped  his  speed, 
To  lay  before  your  grace  the  dark  account. 

Duke.  He  is  a  noble  one. 


10.  GIORDANO.  Act  L 

Col.  He  is  my  friend. 

Duke.  What  is  ihe  plot,  and  who  are  all  involved? 

Col.  Here  comes  lie  now,  to  answer  for  himself. 

Enter  GIORDANO. 

Duke.  Welcome,  my  lord,  thou  hast  in  sooth  conic  well  : 
First,  for  thou  art  a  victor  safe  from  war ; 
And  second,  for  thou  canst  unveil  this  plot. 
Which  dares  to  aim  against  our  life  and"throne: 
Pray  as  you  love  us,  let  us  hear  the  worst. 

Gior.  Maniri  soars  to  grasp  thy  diadem, 
And  hold  despotic  rule  o'er  all,  whom  thou 
More  like  a  father  than  a  monarch  reign' st. 
With  him  are  leagued  a  gang  of  desperate  men, 
A  discontented  and  a  guilty  rahhlc — 
Who  at  his  nod  would  murder  sleeping  babes. 

Duke.  O,  villain,  vHlain  ! — Say  on.  I  pray  thee. 

(rior.  The  consummation  of  his  rebel  plot, 
1*  fixed  for  an  ungracious  hour  indeed  : 
"Tis,  as  within  the  holy  church  we  pay 
The  funeral  rites  to  our  lamented  friend. 

Duke-  Can  this  be  so! 

Col.  What!  have  I  ears!   revenge  ! 

Duke.  The  time  indeed  is  apt. 


Scene  III.  GIORDANO.  17 

Gior.  From  which,  my  liege, 
It  is  most  certain  he  foreknowledge  had 
Of  this  foul  murder — yea,  promoted  it ; 
Else,  had  he  never  fixed  on  such  a  time. 

Duke.  Thy  tale  dispels  the  clouds  which  else  had  hung 
Darkly  above  me  : — all  is  now  revealed, 
And  justice  shall  be  swift  and  sure. 

Col.  Nay,  more, — 
Revenge,  my  sire,  shall  be  both  swift  and  sure. 

Gior.  Prithee,  be  tranquil  and  unfearful — both, 
For  knowledge  gives  us  time  for  preparation  ; 
And  in  the  sinews  of  this  happy  realm, 
A  strength  immortal  lives,  that  will,  my  liege, 
Crush  the  foul  traitor  in  his  vaunted  power. 

Duke.  I  saw  a  serpent  in  my  dream  last  night, 
With  double  head  and  most  envenomed  sting : 
Its  eyes  seemed  brighter  than  two  balls  of  fire, 
Which  flashed  upon  me  with  so  wild  a  glare, 
They  tortured  e'en  my  soul.     I  am  an  old  man  ; 
My  blood  is  cold,  imagination  tame, 
And  seldom  do  I  conjure  fancies  up, 
But  look  on  things  with  calm  and  thoughtful  eye. 
Yet  in  this  case,  despite  all  former  rule, 
1  think  my  better  angel  hovered  near, 
To  wake  my  mind  against  some  threatened  ill. 

3 


18  GIORDANO.  Act  I. 

Now  is  my  dream  explained — but  I  shall  be 
Prepared  to  meet  the  serpent,  and  to  crush  it. 

Col.  I  am  prepared  :  speak  !  let  me  know  thy  will, 

Gior.  Be  calm,  my  friend. 

Duke.  Who  waits?  I'll  move  with  care. 

Enter  an  USHER. 

.Bid  Neri  straight  attend  our  pleasure  here.        [Exit  Uthcr, 
Gior.    Deem  not  that  I  o'erstep  the  subject's  duty ; — 

But  thou,  methinks,  beyond  the  present  fear, 

Seem'st  strongly  moved  :   my  friend  Colonni  too. 

Stop  thou  the  treason  at  its  fountain  head, 

And  the  polluted  channels  soon  will  dry. 
Col.  Let  not  Maniri  live. 

Enter  NERT. 

Duke.  Ilcar'st  thou,  Neri, 
Of  treason  ?    We  shall  quickly  counteract 
The  foid  designings  of  the  unholy  plot. 

Neri.  Command  my  utmost  strength  ;  my  sword,  my  life, 
Are  at  my  master's  service  :  I  live,  my  liege, 
But  to  obey  thy  will. 

Gior.  And  all. 


Scene  III.  GIORDANO.  19 

Col.  Ay,  all. 

Duke.  Arrest  the  traitor,  drag  him  to  the  dungeon- 
To-morrow  will  the  senate  fix  his  doom. 

Neri.  It  shall  be  done,  my  liege. 

[Exeunt  COLONNI  and  NERI. 

Gior.  Eternal  blights ! 

Why  was  his  death  not  instantly  decreed  !   [Aside.'] 
Be  not  desponding— all  may  yet  be  well. 

Duke.  What  shall  we  think  upon  this  chance,  or  how 
Reward  thy  love  and  vigilance ;  we  owe 
More  than  our  words  or  largess  can  repay. 

Gior.  Nay,  speak  not  oft :  my  duty  I  have  done, 
Not  more  :  each  thought  and  act  is  thine,  through  me 
Obedient  all,  in  council  or  in  field. 
How  does  the  fair  Imelda  bear  her  grief? 

Duke.  E'en  woman  like. 

Gior.  Alas  !  my  liege,  for  her, 
It  was  a  chance  too  terrible  to  name. 

Duke.  Grief  oft  delights  to  think,  or  speak  of  that 
Which  was  the  source  and  fountain  of  its  tears  : 
And  thou,  my  lord,  new  from  the  camp,  know'st  all ; 
Thy  story  may  alleviate  her  woes. 

Gior.  My  liege,  if  I  can  shade  the  picture  o'er, 
That  less  of  horrid  coloring  show  forth, 
'Twill  be  a  pleasing  duty. 


20  GIORDANO.  Act  I. 

Duke.  Didst  them  speak? 
We  do  forget  ourself — so  does  this  plot 
On  our  imagination  fix  withal, 
That  we  are  bankrupt  in  each  thought  beside, 
And  lack  all  courtesy.     Good  night. 

[Exit  DUKE. 

Gior.  Good  night. 

May  dreamless  be  your  sleep — that's  a  kind  wish. 
Thus  all  flows  well,  and  I  shall  sail  to  power. 
Now  to  Imelda :  love,  be  thou  my  theme. 
Wed  I  the  daughter,  who  will  dare  suppose 
I  am  a  parricide  ?     'Twill  curtain  all. — 
She's  seemly  to  my  eye,  and  shall  be  mine. 
But  there's  a  worm  that  cankers  in  my  heart — 
Dungeons  have  tongues,  but  I  must  root  them  out  j 
First,  will  I  win  the  keeper  to  my  cause. 
Gold  is  an  advocate  of  great  renown — 
I'll  try  his  all-persuasive  eloquence.  [Exit. 


SCENE  IV.     IMELIM  discovered.     BELLA  in  attendance. 

Imel.  They  tell  me  he  is  dead !  dead  ?  O,  no,  no ! 
It  cannot  be — it  passes  all  belief. 
'Twas  but  as  yesterday  I  saw  him  here, 


Scene  IV.  GIORDANO.  21 

In  pride  and  dignity,  a  very  god 

Dwelling  'mongst  men.     I'll  not  believe  the  tale  : 

It  is  a  thought  too  big  for  my  poor  brain. 

O,  gracious  powers  !  is  this  not  some  wild  dream ! 

Some  misconceit  has  surely  turned  the  world 

To  an  outrageous  frenzy.     Men  hear  false. 

He  lives!  ay,  he  must  live.     Death,  wouldst  thou  dare 

To  touch  with  icy  hand  his  matchless  mould  : 

But  if  'tis  so,  then  heaven  itself  must  weep. 

Bel.  Alas,  alas  !  I  fear  it  is  too  true. 

Intel.  Were  I  convinced,  I  then  should  be  resigned  ; 
But  how  can  I  believe  the  dreadful  tale 
Of  his  untimely  end  ?     Dost  thou  believe  't  ? 

Bel.  Lady,  indeed,  I  cannot  doubt  its  truth. 

Imel.  My  father  and  my  brother,  what  say  they  ? 

Bel.  Fain  would  they  doubt,  but  ah!  it  is  in  vain. 

Imel.  If  it  be  true  ! 

Bel.  He  was  a  matchless  man. 

Imel.  He  was  of  such  excelling  worth,  that  heaven 
Might  mould  a  million,  and  not  make  his  like. 

Bel.  Wo,  wo  !  he  is  no  more :  but,  pray  thee,  turn 
Thy  thoughts  away  from  melancholy  themes. 
Think  of  the  living  ;  for  there  breathes  the  one, 
Who  loves  thee  well,  and  well  deserves  thy  love. 

Iiml.  O,  Bella,  none. 


22  GIORDANO.  Act  I. 

Bel.  The  pride  of  all  the  realm, 
Thy  brother's  friend — thy  father's  proudest  boast : 
The  brave  Giordano. 

ImeL  Thou  dost  talk  ill-timed  ; 
He  ne'er  can  fill  a  corner  of  my  heart, 
For  now  my  love  and  lover  both  arc  dead. 
Pray  thee,  leave  me. 

Enter  GIORDANO. 

Gior.  [To  BELLA.]  Wert  faithful  to  thy  trust  ? 

Bel.  E'en  now  I  touched  on  it,  but  'twas  in  vain. 

[GIORDANO  motions  her  to  withdraw.    Exit  BELLA. 

Gior.  In  tears  !  yet  I  will  speak  to  her.     Imelda  ! 

Intel.  'Tis  ever  thus, — unwelcome  guests  appear, 
At  most  unwelcome  seasons.     What  wouldst  thou  ? 

Gior.  I  come  at  an  unwelcome  time,  'tis  true, 
But  as  a  comforter  and  friend  I  come. 

Imel.  Speak  on,  my  lord,  and  say  what  wouldst  with  me. 

Gior.  I  am  so  moved  to  see  thy  settled  grief, 
My  heart  almost  denies  the  tongue  to  tell 
Its  feelings. 

ImeL  Oh! 

Gior.  We  all  should  be  resigned ! 
For  what  avail  complaints,  or  sighs,  or  tears  ! 


Scene  IV.  GIORDANO.  23 

Fair  one,  can  they  our  sad  bereavement  soothe, 
Or  bring  departed  worth  to  us  again  ? 
Tears  are  transparent,  as  it  were,  to  prove 
Their  unavailingness. 

Imel.  What  dost  thou  mean  ? 

Gior.  But,  when  a  man  so  justly  dear  to  all 
As  Conradine  expires,  our  better  sense 
Will  yield  unto  the  heart's  complaint,  and  live 
Awhile  on  sorrow  :  true,  he  is  no  more, — 
But  there's  a  something  which  will  never  die, 
His  fame  and  worth, — immortal  as  his  soul. 

Imcl.  Thou  speak'st  like  one  who  knows  what 'tis  to  mourn. 

Gior.  This,  the  most  luckless  chance  that  e'er  befell. 

Imcl.  Indeed,  indeed! 

Gior.  But  who  can  feel  thy  woes  ? 

Imcl.  My  lot,  in  sooth,  has  been  a  hapless  one  ; 
For  grief,  like  dismal  clouds,  has  lowered  on  me, 
And  shaded  all  the  spring-time  of  my  life. 

Gior.  Now  hope  for  gladness  in  the  days  to  come  ; 
For  I  will  shield  thec  in  these  faithful  arms 
From  every  harm. 

Imcl.  Ah! 

Gior.  Hold,  I  sail  too  fast.     [Asi<le.~\ 
Since  thou  hast  lost  so  dear  and  kind  a  friend, 
Amidst  the  troubles  which  afflict  the  state, 


24  GIORDANO.  Act  1. 

Thy  gentle  nature  will  require  some  one 
To  comfort  thee :  and  therefore   I  beseech, 
Thou' It  let  thy  troubled  thoughts  repose  on  me. 

Imel.  Thou  speak'st  ambiguously — and  yet,  perhaps 
'Tis  kindly  meant. 

Gior.  Perhaps  !  nay  'tis,  by  heaven  ! 

Imel.  What  wouldst  thou  swear  ? 

Gior.  I  love  thee. 

Imel.  What  is  this  ? — 

Gior.  Yet,  with  such  love,  as  might  a  brother  love. 

Imel.  Thou  feign'st  a  grief — and  in  the  proffer  lies 
My  warrant  for  the  thought. 

Gior.  If  I  have  erred, 

(Which  I  did  not  intend,)  I  crave  your  mercy. 
Put  not  a  strange  construction  on  my  speech, 
Which  my  poor  tongue  meant  not.     All  I  desire, 
(Both  in  thy  private  and  thy  public  grief,) 
Is,  to  present  my  services — not  more. 
[Aside.]  Thus  does  my  courage  play  the  fool  again. 

Imel.  Strangely  thou  speak'st. 

Gior.  Judge  me  by  my  intent?, 
And  thou  wilt  think  with  kindness  of  my  words. 

Imel.  I  would  it  were  I  judged  thee  too  severely. 

Gior.  Misfortune  frowns  on  some,  and  every  act 
(In  thought  and  feeling  both  as  pure  as  truth) 


Scene  IV.  GIORDANO.  25 

Moved  by  the  mutinous  and  rebellious  blood, 
Is  construed  oft,  dark  as  the  thunder  cloud, 
Surcharged  with  dire  combustion — such  a  one 
I  am.     If  I've  offended  thee,  Imclda, 
My  sole  offence  is  that  I  fondly  love. 
What  maid  so  cruel  as  call  love  a  crime  ? 

Imcl.  To  what  strange  period  does  thy  meaning  tend  ? 

Gior.  Will  not  thine  own  dear  heart  my  pleader  be, 
And  win  me  to  thy  favor  ?  While  I  gaze 
Upon  the  fashion  of  thy  matchless  form, 
The  throne  of  beauty,  innocence  and  worth — 
I  lose  all  thought  of  grief,  and  pride  of  power : 
The  splendor  too,  which  overpraising  friends 
For  poor  achievements  have  shed  round  my  name, 
Beside  thy  brightness  sinks  to  worthless  shade. 

Imcl.  I  will  not  hear  thee. 

Gior.  Stay,  Imelda.    Gone!  [Exit  IMELDA. 

Eternal  furies  haunt  her.     Gone  ! 

Enter  BELLA. 

Bel.  My  lord. 

Gior.  Peace,  woman,  peace  !  I'll  not  be  questioned  now. 
Thus  has  she  left  me — like  a  fool  I  seem  ; 
When  next  I  sue,  'twill  be  as  a  command. 

[Exit  GIORDANO. 
1 


26  GIORDANO.  Act  I. 


Re-enter  IMELDA. 

Intel.  Has  he  departed  f 

Bel.  Yes,  sweet  lady. 

Imcl.  Leave  me.  [Exit  BELLA. 

Wo's  me  !  scarce  have  my  tears  begun  to  flow, 
For  the  most  precious  flower,  that  ever  bloomed 
In  the  rich  garden  of  a  maiden's  love, 
And  I'm  besieged  with  ill-becoming  suits. 
Away  !  love,  hope  and  happiness,  farewell ! 
I'll  to  a  cloister's  gloom,  there  spend  my  days, 
And  give  my  sorrows  unobstructed  sway. 

Enter  BELLA. 

Bel.  There  is  a  stranger  waiting  now  without, 
Who  fain  would  speak  with  thee. 

Imel.  I  am  not,  Bella, 
In  proper  mood  to  audience  strangers  no\v. 
Whence  came  he  ? 

Bel.  From  the  camp. 

Imel.  Then  show  him  to  me.  [Exit  BELLA. 

O,  what  am  I  to  hear  !  they  come,  they  come — 
Was  e'er  suspense  so  terrible  as  this  ! 


Seme  IV.  GIORDANO.  27 

A  pause.     Re-enter  BELLA,  showing  in  a  STRANGER. 

Jmcl.  Stranger,  thou'rt  from  the  camp  ? 

Stran.  This  hour  arrived. 

Imel.  Bella,  retire.  [Exit  BELLA. 

Stran.  I  come 

Imel.  O  yes,  you  come, 
To  say  you  saw  my  Conradinc  expire. 
Or,  gracious  heavens !  is  not  the  story  false  ? 
In  mercy  !  tell  me,  is  he  truly  dead  ? 

Stran.  'Tis  so  reported.    She  bewildered  seems.  [Aside. 

Imel.  Ere  I  am  frozen  in  death's  cold  embrace, 
Ere  on  my  eyes  he  puts  his  fatal  seal, 
Tell  me  thy  errand.    What  has  brought  you  hither  ? 

Slran.  I  can  endure  no  longer.     Imelda  ! 

[Throws  off  his  disguise. 

Imel.  Conradine ! 

[She  faints,  and  is  supported  by  CONRADINE. 

Conrad.  My  faithful,  dear  and  lovely  one,  look  up. 

Imel.  [Recovering,  frantic.~] 

Hark,  hark  !  but  whisper,  else  they'll  hear  thee,  love. 
They  watch  thee  :  hide  here,  dearest,  in  my  arms. 
See  !  'tis  a  golden  dagger  :  near,  yet  nearer, 
For  it  will  cut,  yea  deeper  e'en  than  steel. 


23  GIORDANO.  Act  I. 

Conrad.  Imelda ! 

Imel.  Nay,  insist  no  more :  away  ! 
I've  seen  this  face  before,  these  curling  locks, 
And  sparkling  eyes. 

Conrad.  Dost  thou  not  know  me,  sweet? 

Imel.  No  :  hence,  away  !   O  heaven  !   'tis  Conradine  ! 

Conrad.  Be  calm,  my  love  ;  compose  thyself,  I  pray. 

Imel.  Art  thou  alive  !  protecting  power,  I  thank  thee  ! 
My  heart  aye  thought  the  story  was  untrue. 
Say,  how  didst  thou  escape  the  murderer's  steel  ? 

Conrad.  Rest  till  the  morrow ;  I  will  then  relate 
The  marvel  of  my  preservation.     Thou'rt 
Too  much  o'erpowered  to  hear  the  story  now. 

Imel.  To  think  that  thou  art  safe  will  be  to  me 
An  occupation  joyous.     I'm  content. 
To-morrow  will  the  Senate  be  convened; 
Till  then  remain  unknown,  when  we  will  break, 
Thrice  welcome  guests,  on  their  deliberations. 

Conrad.  Thy  wish  shall  be  my  will.  Ne'er  till  this  hour, 
Could  I  believe  thou  didst  so  truly  love — 
Thou  wert  unkind  before. 

Imel.  Nay,  chide  me  not : 
But  let  us  part,  lest  observation's  eye 
Make  foul  of  what  is  fair.     I'll  lead  thee  hence.       [Exeunt. 


ACT  II. 

SCENE  I.     A  romantic  spot:  a  Cave  in  the  back  ground. 
Several  Conspirators  assembled.     Enter  COSMO. 

1st.  Con.  Well,  captain,  come  at  last  :  you  have  been  long 
absent. 

Cosmo.  Ay,  and  on  rare  sport.  My  dagger  will  speak 
for  me. 

2d.  Con.  Be  your  purse  as  well  gilded,  and  I  am  satisfied. 

3</  Con.  What  said  Giordano  f 

Cosmo.  He  loaded  me  with  gold  ;  that  is  eloquent  thanks. 
Hear  me — I  expect  a  visiter  on  the  instant,  who  will  speak 
of  the  noble  deed  I  touched  on. 

1st.  Con.  Who  is  he?  Giordano? 

Cosmo.  No :  your  old  friend,  Neri.  I  beseech  you,  hear 
him  patiently. 

2nd.  Con.  If  this  achievement  restore  our  wealth,  and  give 
us  back  our  titles,  it  will  be  a  noble  doing. 

Cosmo.  It  will. 

Is/.  Con.  Such  liberty  and  absolution  too,  I  hope,  that  we 


30  GIORDANO.  Act  II. 

may  walk  in  Florence,  and  bask  in  the  mid-day  sun,  fear 
less  of  the  villanous  law — not  steal  into  it  like  hungry  rats. 
"Tis  a  galling  thing,  for  men  of  our  mettle  to  be  thus  crib 
bed  up. 

Cosmo.  Would  it  were  over,  and  well  over  ! 

1st.  Con.  You  show  great  love  for  Giordano. 

Cosmo.  The  name  sounds  well  with  me,  and  I  burn  to  do 
its  owner  service:  a  name  is  sometimes  as  good  as  a  charm. 
But  hush — he  comes  ! 

Enter  NERI. 

Welcome  to  our  palace  :  no  gilded  domes  have  we,  no  costly 
draperies,  nor  gaudy  pictures  to  adorn  our  walls.  The 
sky  above  us  is  our  canopy,  the  casing  air  our  halls ;  and 
these  works  of  nature  more  nicely  fashioned  than  art's  most 
choice  cunning,  are  all  the  embellishments  of  our  domain. 

Neri.  I  like  them  well. 

Cosmo.  The  fashion  changes  here,  oftener  than  in  the 
stately  palace  of  the  Duke.  Each  day  and  night,  and  each 
revolving  season,  changes  the  drapery.  Now  shines  the  sun, 
then  smile  the  sun  and  stars :  now  green,  then  yellow,  are 
the  annual  buds.  We  satiate  in  variety.  But  to  our  pre 
sent  purpose. 

Ncri.  My  brave  friends,  I  see  you  all  are  men,  and  though 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  31 

I  have  hinted  the  dotard's  dowufal,  you  keep  your  spirits  up 
like  heroes. 

Cosmo.  So  should  they;  they  have  passed  the  ordeal  seven 
times  seven. 

Neri.  From  your  brave  Captain's  beginning,  I  anticipate 
a  rich  result.  Daring  and  blood  are  to  him  as  familiar 
things. 

Cosmo.  I  thank  you  for  this  character;  rather  let  my 
deeds  than  your  tongue  speak  for  me. 

Neri.  Let  this  pass.  Since  his  return,  I  have  seen  him 
— the  name  I  will  not  trust  aloud,  even  to  air,  to  winging  or 
to  pacing  things  ;  for  it  is  said,  that  strange  couriers  have  car 
ried  tales  of  old :  therefore,  in  such  a  cause,  I  shall  be  cau 
tious.  Before  I  speak  what  he  said  of  you,  or  propose  what 
should  be  done  anon,  retire  with  me  into  your  cave. 

Cosmo.  It  is  like  our  hearts — secret  as  the  enamel  house. 

Neri.  Then  within.  [Exeunt  all  into  the  Cave. 


SCENE  II.— The  Senate  House.  The  DUKE,  GIORDANO, 
COLONNI,  CAVILIDO,  and  Senators,  Attendants,  Sfc.  MA- 
NIRI  in  chains  and  guarded. 

Duke.  Conduct  the  traitor  hence.     Nay,  never  speak ; 
Thy  gray  hairs  only,  saved  thee  from  the  rack. 

[Exit  MAM  HI,  guarded. 


32  GIORDANO.  Act  II. 

It  is  decreed  :  Maniri  is  immured, 

And  all  are  lodged  on  whom  suspicion  breathes. 

Soon  for  the  safety  of  ourself  and  state 

The  anthem  shall  arise.     We  owe  thee  much. 

Gior.  Against  our  foreign  and  domestic  foes, 
I've  done  a  soldier's  and  a  subject's  duty, — 
Not  more,  my  liege. 

Duke.  The  reverend  traitor  was 
The  chief  adviser  in  our  happy  realm  : 
He  false,  it  now  devolves  on  us  to  name 
One  wise  and  loyal.     Ere  we  speak  our  choice, 
We  pray  that  brave  Giordano  will  retire. 

Gior.  I  take  my  leave.     I  soar  above  my  hopes. 

[Aside      Exit. 

Duke.  The  weighty  trust  which  late  the  traitor  held, 
By  one  more  worthy  must  with  speed  be  filled — 
That  one,  my  judgment  and  my  heart  proclaim 
To  be  our  own  victorious  general. 
Grave  senators,  how  stand  you  all  disposed? 
Speak  freely  each  :  meets  this  your  approbation  ? 

Col.  It  does,  my  sire — their  silence  gives  approval. 

Cav.  No  !  I  oppose  :  I  will  not  lend  my  vote 
To  raise  a  victor  to  such  high  control  : 
I  fear  the  sway  his  office  might  insure 

Over  the  people's  mind.     Success  iu  war 

i 

Circles  the  hero  in  a  glare  of  light, 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  33 

That  dazzles  those  who  move  within  his  sphere. 
Civilians,  soldiers,  all  might  bow  to  him  ; 
Pause  at  his  word,  or  at  his  bidding  move. 

Duke.  False  are  thy  fears ;  I  know  Giordano  well. 

Col.  As  I  can  vouch !  from  boyhood  we  have  been 
In  friendship  strong  as  fable  ever  told. 
Give  him  your  voices,  friends.     Why  sit  you  mute  ? 

Cav.  I  prize  him  dearly,  and  I  hold  his  deeds 
The  proudest  records  on  our  history's  page ; 
For  these,  would  yield  him  all  becoming  honor. 
What  is  becoming  ?     Give  him  wealth  immense — 
The  arch  triumphal,  titles  proud,  and  love, 
Yea  boundless  as  the  realm,  or  as  his  fame — 
But  dress  no  hero  in  our  civil  robes. 

Duke.  Why  should  you  fear  ?     Does  history  not  record 
Examples  parallel,  and  where  renown, 

As  great  in  council  as  in  tented  field, 

j 
Has  brightly  marked  the  warrior-statesman's  course ! 

Ay,  in  a  land  as  brave  and  wise  and  free, 

As  the  wide  globe  contains,  there's  proof  supreme. 

Cav.  I  grant  you  this,  but  does  not  history  too 
Record,  that  heroes  by  their  country  prized, 
(And  man  is  prone  to  love  the  brave  in  war) 
Have  made,  without  a  stepping-stone  like  this, 
Their  martial  deeds  a  claim  to  civil  rule, 

5 


34  GIORDANO.  Act  II. 

And  won  it  too?  Then  tyra-nny  hath  inarched 

With  ruthless  vengeance,  and  with  sword  unsheathed, 

Drenching  the  frightened  land  in  native  blood. 

Why  should  1  bring  you  instances  to  prove, 

From  ancient  times,  or  e'en  in  modern  days, 

The  truth  and  force  of  my  asseveration  f— 

I  say  what  has  been  once  may  be  again, 

And,  though  I  speak  not  present  fears,  I  would 

Avoid  all  possibility  of  fear. 

Col.  Who  else  opposes  ?     Silent  all! — then  none. 

Duke.  Yea,  answer  us!  who  does  oppose  our  choicer — 
Who  will  refuse  all  honor  to  the  man 
That's  won  his  country's  battles,  and  subdued 
An  insolent  foe?  Let  him  arise  and  speak. 

Cav.  Will  none  support  me  in  the  vote  I  give  r 
Grave  Senators,  to  you  1  speak  j  hear  me  : 
I  j>iuy  ye  ail,  beware.     Lend  not  your  votes 
To  yield  such  power  to  an  ambitious  man, 
A  daring  soldier  and  the  people's  idol — 
There's  danger  in  't.     Who  speaks  ?    None!  I'm  resigned^ 

Col.  lie  is  alone.     I  thank  ye  for  my  friend. 

Duke.  No  other  voice !  our  motion  is  approved. 
Now  give  him  escort  to  the  Senate-house. 
If  he  prove  faithless   none  on  earth  arc  true : 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  35 

Ifhe  strive  not  in  loyalty  and  wisdom, 
To  shed  a  lustre  on  our  state  and  throne, 
Then  never  patriot  lived. 

Re-enter  COLONNI  and  GIORDANO. 

Welcome  again  ; 

Our  choice,  which  by  the  Senate  is  confirmed, 

Bids  us  salute  thee,  as  our  Minister. 

Gior.  My  liege,  ambition  teaches  some  to  soar 
Above  their  due — not  me.     I  should  decline 
This  high  and  undeserved  proof  of  love, 
Did  not  thy  favor,  and  the  Senate's  voice, 
Enforce  me  to  the  office.     As  I  live 
Not  for  myself,  but  for  my  country's  weal, 
I  will  support  her  to  my  utmost  nerve. 
We've  beat  the  foe — peace  is  again  restored, 
And  in  its  germ,  domestic  treason's  crushed; 
Though  here  I  now  put  on  the  civil  robe, 
T  frankly  tell,  that  whcnsoe'er  I  can 
Better  in  field  than  cabinet  serve  the  state, 
I'll  leave  the  luxuries  and  ease  of  peace, 
To  beard  the  foe. 

Duke.  TliQu'rt  living  in  our  heart. 


3G  GIORDANO.  Act  II. 


Enter  an  USHER. 

Usher.  The  fair  Imelda,  now  without,  my  liege, 
Requests  an  audience  in  the  Senate-house. 

Duke.  Colonni,  pray  thee,  bid  thy  sister  in. 

[Exeunt  COLONNI  and  USHER. 
We  should  not  see  her  here,  if  all  were  well. 
We  fear  that  grief  has  triumphed  o'er  her  mind. 
How,  brave  Giordano,  didst  thou  leave  my  child  ? 

Gior.  My  liege,  depressed — but  yet  not  so  o'ercome, 
That  thou  shouldst  fear  despair  has  stolen  her  wits. 

Duke.  How  I  have  loved  her  tongue  cannot  express, 
And  when  I  saw  her  be.auty  budding  fair, 
E'en  like  the  heathen  statuary  of  old, 
I  worshipped  my  own  creation.     She  comes ! 
Alas,  she  smiles!  we  fear  it  is  too  true. 

Enter  IMELDA,  attended  with  COLONNI,  BELLA,  and  MAIDS. 

Duke.  How  dost  thou  feel,  sweet  daughter  ?  art  thou  well  ? 
Iniel.  Well !  ay ;  look  I  not  well  ? 
Duke.  Dost  truly  speak  ? 
Imel.  Yea,  better  than  I  look,  my  sire,  I  feel. 
You  did  not  send  to  bid  my  health  good  morrow  ! 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  37 

Duke.  We  judged  it  best  not  to  intrude  on  thee, 
Nor  vex  thy  hours  of  grief. 

Imel.  My  hours  of  grief ! 

I've  taught  my  mind  to  invent  new  themes  of  joy, 
And  through  our  palace  merriment  shall  reign 
Until  it  sickens. 

Duke.  My  dearly  cherished  ! 
Speak  as  thou  feel'st  ? 

Gior.  Why,  what  does  this  portend !  [Aside. 

Imel.  Nor  words  nor  looks  express  my  feelings  now. 
Say,  shall  I  show  thee  wherefore,  sire  ? 

Duke.  Yea,  do : 
For  thy  proceedings  have  amazed  us  much. 

[Exit  IMELDA. 

Gior.  There  is  no  frenzy  in  her  looks  or  speech.     [Aside. 

Dulcc.  Why,  what  is  this!  sawest  aught  without,  my  son? 

Col.  Not  I. 

Cav.  'Tis  strange ! 

Duke.  'Tis  strange  indeed,  and  still  we  fear. 
The  tyrant's  flatterer  of  old,  who  saw 
Suspended  o'er  his  head  the  naked  sword, 
Felt  not  the  hour  so  terrible  as  this. 

Re-enter  IMELDA  and  CONRADINE. 
Imel.  This  is  the  wherefore! 


38  GIORDANO.  Act  II. 

Duke.  What  is  it  we  sec  ! 

Gior.  Am  T  alive?    See  I,  or  breathe,  or  hear  ? 
What!  can  the  shroud  its  corse  again  restore, 
Or,  can  I  for  a  moment  be  appalled?  {Aside. 

Duke.  O  heaven  and  earth  !  is  this  reality  ? 

Conrad.  It  is  reality,  and  I  appear 
In  body  corporal,  and  in  health  as  strong 
As  is  the  stoutest  in  the  Council-chamber  ; 
Or,  as  the  dark  Egyptian,  when  the  snn 
From  Sagittarius  shines  upon  his  land. 
And  Thcban  winds  salubriate  the  clime. 

Duke.  Thy  hand,  that  we  may  grasp  it,  and  be  sure 
The  eyes  do  not  deceive  the  other  senses  ; 
For  legends  tell  that  visions  have  appeared 
In  form  as  true.     It  is — it  is  my  sou! 

Gior.  This  is  the  mystery  of  last  night  revealed.     [A$i</e. 

Duke.  My  child — we  cannot  speak  ! — for  joy,  my  lords — 
Where  are  your  voices  ?  O,  this  harvest  home 
More  precious  is  that  seed-time  e'er  presaged. 

Gior.  My  honored  liege,  I  know  not  how  to  speak; 
His  re-appearance  hath  so  touched  my  heart, 
That  I  am  quite  out-mastered  :  yet,  I  greet  thee. 
More  can  I  say?    Yes,  more,  much  more,  my  friend: 
Long  may  I  live  in  such  a  heart  as  thine. 
I  turn,  to  wish  thec  worlds,  of  joy,  fair  dame. 


Scene  H.  GIORDANO.  39 

Col.  Think  not  because  i  stood  entranced  so  long, 
That  I  esteem  my  new-found  kinsman  less 
Thau  the  most  loving  noble  in  the  realm — 
I  bless  this  day  that  gives  thee  back  again. 

Cav.  My  friend,  my  friend!  wilh  wonder  I've  been  mute, 

< 
And  even  now,  I  cannot  speak  my  joy. 

Conrad.  For  this,  your  proof  of  love,  1  thank  you,  friends ; 
And,  as  in  after  days  you  yet  may  read 
The  unturned  pages  of  my  book  of  life, 
You  shall  not  find  one  blot  or  stain  thereon, 
To  change  the  love  that  welcomes  my  return. 

Duke.  My  child,  thou  dost  not  speak. 

Imel.  I  cannot,  sire; 
And  yet,  had  I  the  power,  I  should  request 

Conrad.  Nay  speak,  Imclda. 

Duke.  Ay,  and  bravely  speak. 

laid.  That  Comadine  relate  the  chance,  by  which 
lie  was  preserved,  and  safe  restored  to  us. 

Duke.  So  poor  a  favor  thou  wilt  not  refuse. 

Conrad.  The  battle  o'er,  it  was  my  first  desire 
To  view  the  bleeding  pictures  on  the  field, 
And  hear  the  talcs  related  by  the  serfs. 
With  this  intent,  I  changed  my  dress  for  that 
My  \alet  wore,  and,  thus  disguised,  set  out. 
An  li-Mir  thereafter  the  report  went  round, 


40  GIORDANO.  Act  IL 

That  I  was  murdered  and  my  servant  fled  ; 
On  whom  suspicion  rested  of  the  deed. 
On  hearing  this,  I  judged  how  it  might  be — 
And  'twas — the  servant  for  his  master  fell. 
Unknown  to  all  I  changed  my  dress  again, 
(Remember,  'twas  my  first  essay  in  arms, 
The  sooner  then  you  will  forgive  this  act,) 
To  test  what  soldiers  would  report  of  me, 
For  truth  is  always  spoken  of  the  dead  ; 
But,  when  I  learned,  that  couriers  were  sent 
To  Florence  and  my  father — I  resolved 
To  gladden  those  who  might  lament  my  fall. 
Last  night  in  haste  and  secret  I  arrived  ; 
Yet,  still  disguised,  an  audience  I  obtained 
With  fair  Imelda— she,  my  friends,  may  tell 
Why  the  revealment  was  postponed  till  now. 

Gior.  Henceforth  there's  nothing  certain  in  this  world ! 

[Aside. 

Cav.  There  surely  is  a  just  and  unseen  arm, 
Which  shields  the  guiltless  from  the  assassin's  steel. 

Duke.  It  is  a  tale  of  wonder.     We  are  glad. 

Conrad.  Not  for  myself  do  I  rejoice  I'm  safe, 
But,  that  I  may  for  all  thy  favor,  show 
My  love  and  loyalty — though  first  for  thee, 
Feel  I  the  wealth  of  life.     Thou  art  not  sad  ! 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  41 

Col.  I  cannot  speak  the  great  content  I  feel, 
But  like  my  sister  will  be  mute  ;  she  stands 
With  cheeks  as  crimson  as  the  Persian  rose, 
And  her  blue  eye  is  beaming  with  a  tear, 
Like  the  sweet  violet  when  bathed  in  dew. 

Duke.  We  pause  to  hear  thee  speak. 

Imel.  What  shall  I  say  ? 
If  aught  there  be  thou  thinkest  I  should  say, 
Pray  speak  for  me. 

Conrad.  Hast  thou  no  boon  to  ask  ? 

Imel.  Hast  thou  no  boon  to  ask  ? 

Conrad.  Yes,  I  have  one, 
But  my  o'erflowing  heart  can  find  no  words 
To  give  it  utterance. 

Dulse.  We  wonder  not : 
Then,  let  us  on  our  mind  so  settle  yours, 
That  we  may  take  the  true  impression  thence, 
And  be  the  just  interpreter  of  both. 

Conrad.  I  could  not  trust  a  better  than  my  liege. 

Imel.  I  could  not  trust  a  fitter  than  my  sire. 

Duke.  Then  list,  my  court ; — here  we  bestow  our  child, 
And  they  themselves   shall  name  the  day,  on  which 
The  rights  of  marriage  shall  be  solemnized. 
Nay,  speak  not  now :  we  know  you  would  but  thank  us  : 
Thanks  from  an  untouched  heart,  unwelcome  are  ; 

6 


42  GIORDANO.  Act  II. 

From  those  who  feel,  as  we  perceive  you  do, 
They  are  too  powerless  to  express  the  thought. 

Gior.  Yea,  take  thy  thanks,  else  live  unthanked  for  ever. 

[Aside. 

Conrad.  Then  silence  be  my  good  thanks-bearer  now. 

Gior.  Hail,  happy  pair  !  health,  joy,  and  lov  e  to  both, 
As  strong  and  boundless  as  our  loyalty. 

Duke.  Enough,  enough  ;  now  let  the  trumpet  speak, 
Let  dulcet  sounds  and  merry  peals  awake. 
Thy  hand  :  my  lords,  thus  break  we  up  our  court. 

Flourish.     Exeunt. 


SCENE  HI.     GIORDANO'S  Home.     Enter  GIORDANO. 

Gior.  He  has  returned,  Imclda  is  his  bride, 
And  thus,  two  cherished  thoughts  at  once  are  crushed  ! 
Each  step  I  tread  is  on  a  treacherous  mine ; 
To  me,  suspicion,  scorpion-like  may  cling, 
Perhaps  this  hour,  and  murder  all  my  hopes. — 
My  brain's  on  fire,  and  tortures  rack  my  mind  ! 
They  shall  not  riot  in  each  others'  arms, 
And  I  be  cast  despised  to  dark  perdition. 
I  must  succeed,  and  wear  the  ducal  crown, 
Else  with  my  vengeance  will  I  shake  the  world  : 


Scene  III.  GIORDANO.  43 

And  therefore  on  the  instant  must  resolve 
To  fix  the  climax  of  a  bold  achievement — 
This  is  already  sure — he  dies.  My  friends. 

Enter  CONRADINE  and  COLONNI. 

I  greet  ye  both,  but  tlioii  above  all  name 
Art  dear,  my  friend,  to  every  loyal  heart : 

How  fares  it  with  thee  now  ? — 

• 
Col.  He  is  caressed  ; 

Each  one  he  meets,  more  loving  than  before,. 
Scarce  gives  him  time  to.spend  a  happy  hour, 
Where  most  his  heart  inclines. 

Conrad.  I  must  confess, 
This  day  has  brought  assurance  of  esteem 
From  high  and  low,  beyond  my  merits  far : 
This  joyous  day  has  fixed  my  future  fate, 
And  I  am  blessed. 

Gior.  Thou  art  a  bridegroom  now ! 
Anon  we'll  have  a  festival  of  note. 
And  we  shall  hail  thee  husband  of  a  dame, 
The  pride  and  pattern  of  her  gentle  sex. 

Conrad.  My  heart  confesses  her  excelling  worth. 

Col.  Nay,  prate  not  of 't ;  while  thou  dost  talk,  she  waits : 
Let  us  begone,  I'll  lead  thee  to  her  presence. 


44  GIORDANO.  Act  II. 

Conrad.  My  heart  is  there  already. 

Gior.  Fare  thee  well. 

[Exeunt  CONRADINE,  and  COLONNI. 
He  dies !  he  stands  between  me  and  the  sun. 
A  thousand  doubts  are  fretting  in  my  mind, 
Which  almost  bid  me  pause  in  my  career. 
I've  found  one  heart  that  gold  will  not  enslave — 
The  hireling  keeper  of  Maniri's  cell — : 
What  now  ? 

Enter  BELLA. 

Bel.  My  lord,  I've  stolen  a  moment  hither, 
To  bid  thee  act,  and  never  fear  this  chance. 

Gior.  Nothing  shall  daunt  me  now,  fair  monitress. 
Where  is  thy  husband?  Bella,  knows  he  this? 

Bel.  My  lord,  he  does  not :  he  has  not  returned, 

Gior.  Does  Cosmo  wait  without  ? 

Bel.  He  does,  my  lord. 

Gior.  Bring  him  to  me. 

Bel.  Thou  wilt  not  chide  nor  fret.  [Exit  BELLA. 

Gior.  I  will  march  onward  to  the  golden  top, 
Nor  pause  at  trifles  more.     The  deed  that  failed, 
Is  fixed  and  proved  upon  Maniri's  head, 
And  dark  suspicion  sleeps. 


Scene  III.  GIORDANO.  45 


Re-enter  BELLA,  with  COSMO. 

My  noble  captain, 

The  late  mischance  has  stirred  my  heart  anew, 

To  strike  a  bolder  and  a  surer  blow. 

Cosmo.  My  lord,  it  was  an  unforeseen  event : 
I  never  dreamed  that  for  a  selfish  end — 
To  hear,  unknown,  base  soldiers  speak  his  praise, 
He,  with  a  servant,  would  have  changed  his  dress, 

Gior.  Thou  didst  thy  utmost,  and  I  blame  thee  not : 
But  now,  good  sir,  thou  must  strike  home,  and  sure. 
There  is  a  something  working  in  my  brain, 
And  that  the  great  conception  may  have  birth, 
I  need  your  friendly  aid.     By  a  device 
I'll  from  the  palace  send  this  love-sick  knight : 
Near  at  my  call  be  both.     I'll  give  thee  soon 
The  knowledge  and  advantage  of  my  scheme. 

Cosmo.  I  am  prepared. 

Bel.  And  I. 

Gior.  I  know  you  well. 

Bel.  What  may  it  be,  my  lord  ? 

Gior.  I  know  not  yet  : 
Stay  not  for  askings.     Go :  I  will  resolve. 

[Exeunt  BELLA,  and  COSMO. 


46  GIORDANO.  Act  II. 

What  should  it  be  ? — A  letter  I  will  forge, 

Before  his  nuptials  can  be  solemnized, 

That  business  speaks  his  presence  with  his  sire  — 

And  then,  must  Cosmo  mark  both  time  and  place, 

To  find  an  easy  and  unwary  prey. 

I  will  not  live  in  fear.     His  presence  has 

Rebuked  me  often  in  my  great  emprise  ; 

But  never  will  I  pause  or  falter  more 

In  my  career.     There  is  no  failing  now — 

This,  Conradine,  shall  be  thy  day  of  doom.  [Exit. 


ACT  III. 

SCENE  I.  The  Palace.  The  scene  opens  and  discovers 
IMELDA  rising  from  a  Harp,  and  COJNRADINE  seated  on  an 
Ottoman. 

Conrad.  My  love,  1  pray  thee,  touch  thy  harp  again. 

Imel.  Not  now  ;  for  more  I  feel  inclined  to  hear 
The  music  of  thy  voice. 

Conrad.  I  will  not  urge  thee ; 

Yet  when  thou  wak'st  such  language  from  these  strings, 
It  seems  as  music  bade  my  bosom  swell, 
And  every  thought  aspire  above  this  world. 

Imel.  In  speaking  thus,  you  mean  to  give  me  praise. 

Conrad.  In  speaking  thus,  I  only  tell  my  mind,   . 
For  thou'rt  above  my  praise.     O,  my  sweet  love  ! 
Thou'rt  all  I  live  for. 

Imel.  Art  not  over-fond  ? 

Conrad.  What  now  could  better  fill  our  thoughts  than  love  ? 
What  other  theme  should  please  when  thou  art  near? 

Ifiicl.  Thou  art  a  hero,  let  us  speak  of  war. 


48  GIORDANO.  Act  HL 

Conrad.  Leave  blood  and  battles  to  ambitious  minds. 

Imel.  Who  knows  what's  love  ? 

Conrad.  The  world  is  full  of  it ; 
There's  not  a  living  thing  but  loves  its  kind, 
And  nothing  is  'twixt  heaven  and  earth  so  true. 
Sweet  ever-living  love  !  and  O,  as  pure 
As  wakening  zephyrs,  or  as  opening  flowers  ! 

Imel.  It  ne'er  was  praised  by  man  so  much  before. 

Conrad.  It  is  great  nature's  first  and  sweet  conception 
It  is  God's  gift,  to  prove  he  thinks  of  man  ; 
It  is  the  link  that  binds  us  to  Himself! 
And  in  those  hearts  which  have  such  cause  as  I, 
To  feel  its  heavenly  power  and  influence, 
It  lives  supreme  :  it  rules  in  every  thought, 
It  dwells  in  every  vein — by  day,  by  night, 
In  fiery  youth  and  chilly  age  the  same — 
Heaven's  first  and  best,  and  aye-enduring  blessing  ! 

Imel.  Thou  speak'st  as  thou  hadst  felt  it. 

Conrad.  Hadst !     Do  feel, 
And  with  that  pure  and  holy  inspiration 
None  else  could  fire.     Thou  wilt  be  ever  thus ! 

Imel.  As  I  have  been,  my  lord — as  now  I  am, 
Unchanged,  unchanging  will  my  heart  remain, 
And  thine,  I  hope,  will  ever  be  the  same. 


Scene  I.  GIORDANO.  49 

Conrad.  To  hint  a  doubt  is  to  imply  mistrust  i 
My  life  !  thou  surely  wilt  not  be  unkind. 

Iinel.  As  well  as  jealousy,  love  has  its  fear  : 
The  more  we  love,  the  more  do  nameless  fears 
Distress  the  mind — of  these  alone  I  speak. 
I  could  not  love,  where  I  would  not  repose 
My  wealth,  my  thoughts,  and  fame. 

Conrad.  O^  that  is  kind, 

And  hath  removed,  more  than  I  ever  doubted : 
But  when  shall  come  the  day  that  makes  us  one .? 

Imel.  I  do  not  know  :  I've  scarcely  thought  of  itj 

Conrad.  To-morrow  ? 

Imel.  Not  so  soon. 

Conrad.  Call  ye  it  soon  ! 
In  the  delicious  dream  of  that  blessed  time/ 
I've  spent  long  days  and  never-ending  night*, 
And  counted  moments,  longer  for  the  counting. 
O,  I  could  tell  thee  of  perplexing  thoughts, 
Of  fears  which  shook  me,  and  of  hopes  that  smiled. 

Intel.  And  I,  like  thee,  might  speak  of  hopes  and  fears. 

Conrad.  Ev'n  as  thou  art — be  ever  thus.     But  when  ? 

laid.  Of  this,  my  lord,  we'll  think  some  other  time. 

Conrad.  My  sweet,  fair  love ! 

Enter  BELLA. 
Why  coin'st  so  rudely  hither? 


50  GIORDANO.  Act  III. 

Bd.  This  instant  has  a  messenger  arrived, 
And  in  such  haste,  that  scarcely  had  he  breath, 
To  say  this  letter  was  for  thee,  my  lord. 

Conrad.  It  is  my  brother's  character. 

Imel.  My  lord  ! 

Thy  color  changes,  and  thy  looks  are  sad : 
Pray,  what  is  this  ?    Ill  news? 

Conrad.  Leave  us.  [Exit  BELLA.]  My  love, 
This  is  a  wayward  world  ;  the  brightest  shine 
At  times  hath  rain. 

Imel.  What  new  mischance  is  this  ? 

Conrad.  A  moment  since,  I  hoped  thou  wouldst  have  had 
A  double  father  ;  now,  my  love,  1  fear 
That  I  myself,  no  longer  have  a  father. 

Imel.  What  says  the  letter?     It  is  sudden  news. 

Conrad.  My  aged,  honored  and  revered  sire, 
Approaches  dissolution ;  'tis  his  wish, 
Which  by  my  brother  is  in  this  expressed, 
That  I  be  near  him  when  his  end  arrives, 
To  meet  his  blessing,  and  to  close  his  eyes. 

Imel.  Thou  art  his  favorite  son. 

Conrad.  Would  I  were  not, 
If  that  might  save  him  from  the  hour  of  death. 

Imel.  To  all  that  hour  must  come.     Yet  there  is  hope. 

Conrad.  I  blame  myself,  that  I  unthinkingly, 


Scene  I.  GIORDANO.  51 

In  the  sweet  joy  of  meeting  thee,  my  love, 
Forgot  to  send  discredk  to  the  tale 
Of  my  decease. 

Imel.  Be  not  so  self-accusing. 

Conrad.  If  it  hath  reached  him  in  the  fearful  hour 
Of  nature's  struggle,  as  perchance  it  did ! — 

Enter  the  DUKE. 

•  "• 

My  royal  sire,  so  I  may  call  thee  now. 

Duke.  We've  heard  the  news,  too  hapless  and  too  true. 

Imel.  Father! 

Duke.  Compose  thyself,  my  child.     Nay,  nay — 
What  should  be  done  ? 

Conrad.  Thither  I'll  go  forthwith, 
Attended  only  with  one  trusty  squire. 

Duke.  Thy  heart  must  be  thy  prompter  ;  have  thy  will. 

Conrad.  No  longer  will  I  tarry:  fare  ye  well. 
To  thee,  my  love, — again  I  turn  to  thee; 
A  strange  foreboding  haunts  my  spirits  now, 
And  makes  me  sigh  that  we  must  part.     Farewell. 

[Exeunt  the  DUKE  and  CONRADINE. 

Imel.  Farewell.     Again  we  part !     [One  clap  of  thunder.] 
O,  horror,  horror ! 
This  is  prophetic  of  a  dismal  end, 


\ 


52  GIORDANO.  Act  III. 

For  heaven's  loud  thunder  speaks.     Ala?,  alas  ! 
Angels  of  mercy,  guard  him  on  his  way  ! 

Enter  BELLA. 

Is  he  gone  ? 

Bel.  Yes ;  I  heard  his  horse's  hoofs 
Sound  wild  impatience  in  the  palace  court. 
Tie  boldly  spurred  the  gallant  steed,  and,  fleetly 
As  a  proud, ship  impelled  by  quarter  winds, 
He  onward  rode — then  hushed  was  every  sound. 

Imel.  O,  hapless,  hapless  me  ! 

Bel.  Cheer  up,  my  lady ; 

From  clouded  mornings  often  come  bright  days, 
And  purest  rain  falls  from  the  darkest  sky  ; 
So  cheer  thee  then,  and  I  presage,  ere  long, 
Thy  lover  safely  will  return  to  thee, 
With  pleasant  news  and  sunshine  on  his  brow. 

Imel.  I  fondly  hope,  what  hope  may  never  give. 
Kind  Heaven,  protect  him  in  his  sad  career, 
And  bring  him  safely  to  my  love  again.  [Exeunt. 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  53 

SCENE  II.     GIORDANO'S  Home. 
Enter  NERI  and  BELLA. 

Neri.  What!  is  this  so? 

Bel.  Yes  ;  all,  as  I  have  told. 

Neri.  There's  too  much  human  kindness  in  his  heart ; 
That  I  must  change,  and  turn  his  nature  wild, 
Else  sail  we,  wife,  upon  a  sea  of  peril. 
It  grieves  me,  too,  to  hear  him  laugh  at  fear, 
And  boast  of  courage  he  possesses  not. 
I'll  make  him  cruel,  else  I'll  tame  myself, 
And  turn  confessor  to  some  silly  girl. 

Bel.  O,  what  a  contrast  is  between  you  twain  ! 

Neri.  I  think  there's  not  a  mortal  in. the  land, 
Who,  if  he  saw  Giordano's  lily  heart, 
Would  not  condemn  him  for  so  poor  a  tenant. 

Bel.  Pray  urge  him  on. 

Neri.  1  will ;  and  if  his  soul 
Be  not  encased  in  atmosphere  of  truth, 
Of  innocence  and  feeble-heartedness, 
From  which,  like  our  great  globe,  nought  can  escape, 
I'll  change  him,  wife,  and  them  shalt  see  it  soon. 

Bel.  That  soon,  can  never  soon  enough  arrive, 


54  GIORDANO.  Act  III. 

For  should  our  daring  project  be  revealed, 
What  will  become  of  us? 

Neri.  Fear  nothing,  wife : 
This  deed  achieved,  thy  husband  and  thyself 
Will  both  be  mighty  in  the  realm.     Thus  far, 
Thou  hast  done  service  to  the  cause.     Bear  up ; 
The  time  is  near  when  all  will  be  secure. 

Bel.  I  would  to  Heaven  thy  words  may  be  confirmed ! 

Neri.  I  hear  a  step ;  again  !  hush.     Get  thee  hence. 

[Exit  BELLA. 
I'll  move  aside,  and  over-hear  his  prate. 

Enter  GIORDANO. 

Gior.  Now  he  is  gone,  and  I  can  freely  breathe  ! 
When  next  we  hear  of  him — 'twill  be  from  Heaven  : 
I  counselled  Cosmo — he  fails  not  again. 
The  Duke  and  daughter  die,  that  is  resolved  : 
To  fondly  love,  where  I  so  deeply  hate, 
Is  treason  'gainst  my  passions,  and  is  death. 
Colonni  ?  he  shall  live.    I  fear  not  him  ; 
He  is  a  fond  and  unsuspecting  fool, 
And  I'll  content  him,  though  I  wear  the  crown. 
Let  Neri  fret ;   by  Heaven !   he  shall  not  die. 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  55 

NERI  advances. 

Hah! 

Neri.  Why  dost  start,  why  wouldst  escape  from  me  ? 
Why  cover  up  thy  breast,  as  'twere  to  hide 
The  thoughts  within  ?     Thine  eyes  are  inward  turned, 
Fearful  to  look  on  me,  lest  they  reflect 
The  broodings  of  thy  mind. 

Gior.  What  should  I  fear  ? 
Why  question  me? 

Neri.  My  lord,  excuse  my  speech ; 
For  in  a  cause  like  this,  it  must  be  plain. 
Why  dost  thou  pale  ?  why  doth  the  blood  now  seek, 
And  then  forsake  thy  cheeks  ?  wilt  answer  me  ? 

Gior.  Command  the  ocean  in  its  rage  to  calm, 
And  bid  the  hurricane  abate  its  wrath  ; 
If  they  obey,  then  will  I  hold  the  rein 
Upon  rny  blood,  and  with  the  self-same  ease 
Control  it  as  I  guide  my  horse  :  but  no, — 
The  blood  within  is  like  the  wind  without  ; 
Both  have  their  sway  beyond  all  mortal  power, 

Neri.  Is  this  philosophy?     Your  erudition! 

Gior.  It  has  been  proved  by  scientific  sages. 

Neri.  I  hate  all  sciences,  and  sages  too  ; 


56  GIORDANO.  Act  HI. 

Why  should  our  great  resolves  commune  with  either  ? 

Let's  speak  of  that  which  will  advantage  us, 

Nor  heed  those  sages,  who  will  turn  their  brains 

To  find  the  gender  of  a  plant  or  worm, 

And  waste  a  life  to  anatomize  a  fly — 

Pish  on  them  all !     What  think'st  thou  now,  my  lord  f 

Gior.  I  almost  yield  before  thy  force  of  words. 

Neri.  If  thou  couldst  set  thy  foot  where  now  I  stand, 
And  let  the  earth  bear  such  a  heart  as  mine, 
Which  neither  tongue  nor  steel  could  e'er  appal, 
The  envenomed  bowl,  nor  midnight  murder  scare, 
We  should  in  this  so  nobly  move  to-night, 
That  morning's  sun  would  hail  us  masters  here. 
But,  as  it  is,  I  fear  that  we  will  fail. 

Gior.  Fail !  we  shall  not. 

Neri.  Yes,  we  will  surely  fail, 
If  thou  be  not  both  resolute  and  brave, 
Or  if  thou  act,  as  I  o'erheard  thee  say. 

Gior.  Why  dost  upbraid  me  thus  ?  What  ovcrheard'st  ? 

Neri.  Who  in  the  palace  shall  escape  our  swords  ? 

Gior.  None — yes,  only  one. 

Neri.  Who? 

Gior.  My  friend — Colonni. 

Neri.  By  Heaven,  that  wretch  shall  be  the  iirst  to  die ! 
Swift  as  the  darts  the  fabled  archer  shot, 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  57 

Which,  as  they  flew,  took  fire,  my  sword  shall  pierce 
His  heart. 

Gior.  I  am  resolved — my  friend  must  die : 
None  shall  escape  the  havoc  of  that  hour. 

Neri.  That  tone  I've  heard  before^  but  trust  it  not, 
Till  I  have  proof. 

Gior.  Demand  what  proof  thou  wilt. 

Neri.  And  if  I  should,  my  lord,  thou'lt  quail  again. 

Gior.  Wilt  thou  obey  me  ?  Answer,  sir. 

Neri.  My  lord ! 

Gior.  Sir,  I  command  ye :  ask  of  me  a  proof. 

Neri.  I  am  silent. 

Gior.  Thou  shalt  not  trifle  thus. 
Beware,  I  say ;  I'll  strike  thec  else  to  hell. 

Neri.  My  lord,  art  mad  ?     What  wouldst  ? 

Gior.  Propose  a  deed, 
More  damnable  than  even  thou  hast  done, 
More  soul-accuising  than  the  demons  know, 
And  I  will  do't,  to  prove  I  am  a  man. 

Neri.  First  answer  me  :  whore's  Conradine? 

Gior.  In  hell : 
When  thou  wert  gone,  the  devil  sent  him  back — 

Neri.  This  1  have  heard,  my  lord ;  and  that  you  forged 
A  silly  scrawl,  to  send  him  from  the  court. 
What  motive  had  you  for  an  act  like  this? 

8 


58  GIORDANO.  Act  III, 

Gior.  By  Heaven!  thou  question's!  as  I  were  thy  slave! 
Do  not  provoke  me  further. 

Neri.  Speak,  my  lord. 

Gior.  It  cither  was,  or  my  racked  mind  conceived, 
That  in  his  presence  nothing  could  succeed  ; 
I  dared  not  vent  my  hate  and  kill  him  here  ; 
That  would  have  roused  suspicion  from  her  den, 
Where  now  she  sits,  as  mute  and  dark  as  death. 
His  father's  house  is  three  days  journey  hence, 
The  which,  I  prophesy,  he'll  never  reach. 
Cosmo  succeeds — I  look  for  him  anon. 

Neri.  As  thou  speak'st,  like  an  evil  thought,  he  comes. 

Enter  COSMO. 

5  ay 

Cosmo.  My  lord. 

Gior.  Speak  out,  and  quickly; 
Declare  he's  dead,  and  give  my  heart  content. 

Cosmo.  No;  he  escaped  me,  but  I  slew  his  squire. 

Gior.  Death  and  destruction  !     Double  gifted  slave, — 
His  servant  slain — and  what  is  that  to  me? 
Thou  art  not  fit  to  live  ;  go,  seek  his  soul — 
And  yet,  too  poor  for  me  to  kill. 

Neri.  Good  Heaven ! 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  5«J 

Cosmo.   Wilt  hear  me,  my  good  lord  ! 

Gior.  Peace,  villain,  peace! 

Life's  whirlwind  is  all  spent,  and  I  am — nothing. 
There's  not  a  slave  who  battens  in  the  sun, 
That's  half  so  base  as  thou  art. 

Neri.  [To  COSMO.]    How  is  this?   [They  speak  apart.] 

Gior.  Now  I  repent  of  all  my  deep  designs, 
And  curse  ambition,  which  has  urged  me  on. 
Could  I  recall  my  pristine  state  of  mind, 
With  feelings  pure  and  conscience  undefiled, 
How  gladly  then  would  I  lie  down  to  die,' 
And  leave  dominion  to  the  bolder  soul. 
My  schemes  achieved,  what  should  I  then  have  been? 
What  is  the  brightest  name  on  history's  page? 
When  death  approaches,  who  can  then  cry,  "stay," 
Or  nod  the  head,  and  awe  him  td^subjection, 
As  man  does  millions  of  his  fellow  men? 
O,  none!  the  monarch,  like  the  slave,  must  yield, 
And  give  his  life  without  one  moment's  pause  ! 

Neri.  [Apart  to  COSMO.]  Art  sure  of  this? 

Cosmo.  Most  sure. 

Neri.  Then  it  is  well, 

And  we  will  prosper  yet ;  but  heed  him  not : 
He's  inconsistent  as  a  dream,  or  woman. 
The  fit  will  pass,  so  think  not  oft,  nor  tell; 


60  GIORDANO.  Act  III. 

But  hasten  to  your  friends.    We'll  meet  anon  : 

They  are  assembled  in  the  Sibyl's  cave.  [Exit  COSMO. 

Gior.  I've  often  thought  upon  this  world — and  wondered  ! 
What  is  ambition,  why  are  men  ambitious, 
And  what  avail  their  petty  hopes  and  fears, 
Their  brief  authority  and  baseless  pride  ? 
A  few  years  pass — then,  where  are  the  renowned? 
Ask  the  dank  charnel-house, — no  voice  responds  : 
Ask  the  vain  living, — we  may  hear,  they  were, 
But  now  are  gone,  and  with  them  is  entombed 
Each  aim  and  action  of  life's  fretful  hour  : 
The  world  has  spared  them,  and  regrets  it  not ! 
The  mausoleum  proud,  and  towering  pile, 
Crumble  to  dust;  yea,  all  memorials  die. 

Neri.  [Advancing.]    What  think'st,  my  lord  ?    Wilt  thou 

put  down  .the  helm, 
And  now  abandon  this,  thy  dukedom  voyage  ? 

Gior.  I  have  no  skill  to  guide  my  fragile  bark. 

Neri.  Not  to  the  starting  port — so  steer  thee  on  : 
I  will  be  pilot.     Where's  thy  courage  ? 

Gior.  Drowned ! 

Neri.  Then,  like  a  craven,  also  drown  thyself. 

Gior.  Know  ye  to  whom  ye  speak,  sir  ? 

Neri.  I  do  not. 
I  took  thee  for  a  man — thou  saidst  thou  wert ; 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  61 

But  now,  thy  looks  and  fears  belie  thy  speech  : 
I  know  thee  not. 

Gior.  What!  thou  dost  surely  know, 
For  thee,  I  placed  upon  one  single  chance, 
My  life,  nay  more,  my  spotless  reputation. 
Our  deed  discovered^  and  that  is  most  sure, 
My  fate  is  fixed — I  must  fall  headlong  down 
The  deep  abyss  of  infamy  and  shame. 

Neri.  Pray,  what  new  fit  is  this  ?    Canst  thou  explain  ? 

Giort  I've  been  thy  friend,  and  made  thee  what  thou  art ; 
Then  bear  with  me. 

Neri.  I  give  thee  thanks  for  all. 

Gior.  I  ne'er  forsook  thee  ;  when  thy  ardent  rnind 
Did  deeds,  which  nature  shudders  to  recite, 
I  stood  'twixt  thee  and  law ;  and  made  thy  heart 
Seem  fair  with  men,  that  else  had  been  a  hell. 

Neri.  I  do  confess  it,  and  am  thy  debtor. 

Gior.  I've  borne  from  thee,  what  man  has  never  dared 
Before  accuse  me  of.     Do  I  lack  courage  ? 
Was  it  by  lack  of  heart,  that  in  the  field, 
Ere  I  had  scarcely  thrice  seven  summers  seen, 
I  did  such  deeds  as  raised  me  to  command  ? 
Was  't  lack  of  courage,  that,  the  late  campaign 
Led  on  by  me,  subdued  the  insolent  foe, 
And  made  him  crave,  on  abject  terms,  a  peace  ? 


62  GIORDANO.  Act  III. 

Or,  was  't  by  lack  of  courage,  that  I'm  now 
First  in  the  state,  as  I  was  in  the  camp  ? 

Neri.  I  know  thee  well,  and  in  a  loyal  cause 
None  can  out-match  thee  ;  yet,  in  one  like  this, 
Thy  conscience  rules  thy  valor  :  were't  not  so, 
Thou  wouldst  inarch  onward  boldly,  to  the  goal 
Of  thy  renown,  and  free  me  from  suspense. 

Gior.  And  thou  know'st,  too,  had  it  not  been  for  thee, 
I  never  should  have  sought  to  seize  the  crown. 

Neri.  It  was  my  boundless  love  that  urged  thee  on. 

Gior.  Thy  love  has  lost  me. 

Neri.  My  love  shall  make  thee  : 
To-night,  with  my  advice,  thou  art  a  duke. 

Gior.  Dost  say  so  ? 

Neri.   Yes,  I  pledge  my  soul  upon  it. 

Gior.  I  gain  new  hopes. 

Neri.  Then  gain  new  courage  too, 
And  thou  shalt  reign  in  Florence. 

Gior.  Has  he  gone  ? 

Neri.  Cosmo,  my  lord  ? — Yes,  to  the  Sibyl's  cave 

Gior.  I  lost  my  wits,  and  I  forgot  to  question. 

Neri.  That  I  did. 

Gior.  Well  ?    What  said  he  ?  Is  there  hope  ? 

Neri.  The  servant  dead,  the  cotqtiean  rich  in  life, 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  63 

Impelled  his  courser  on  with  double  speed, 
And  fleet  as  fair  report,  was  off  and  gone. 

Gior  That  doth  unburden  me  ! 

Neri.  Bear  up,  and  bravely. 
I've  touched  some  men  of  moment  on  the  guard, 
And  all  are  anxious  for  the  glorious  hour. 

Gior.  What  can  I  say,  my  friend,  or  how  express 
My  feelings  for  this  love  ?  I'm  thine  for  ever. 

Neri.  The  city's  ripe,  and  all  the  country  round ; 
None  breathe  aloud,  but  each  rebellious  looks ; 
And  were  one  tongue  to  herald  its  heart-thoughts, 
I  would  speak  for  millions.     Succeed  we  will. 

Gior.  Thank  Heaven!  if  this  be  so,  I  am  a  man. 

Neri.  I  speak  not  unadvisedly,  but  know, 
On  certain  proof,  how  stands  the  country's  mind ; 
For  I  have  seen  some  citizens  of  note, 
Who  lent  their  ears,  as  if  the  tale  were  life. 

Gior.  I'm  screwed  again  unto  the  sounding  pitch. 
If  here,  irresolution  ever  dwelt, 
It  lives  no  longer.    Me,  my  friend,  imbue 
With  thy  courageous  and  determined  spirit ; 
For  now,  my  heart  is  like  the  Caspian  sea, 
Which  from  a  thousand  streams  its  wave  receives, 
And  nothing  disembogues.     Thou  art  my  friend. 


64  GIORDANO.  Act  HI. 

Neri.  Now  art  thou  worthy  of  the  coming  glory. 

Gior.  Ay !  here  I  cast  all  pity  and  remorse 
To  the  infernal  gods — and  freight  my  mind 
With  strength,  revenge,  with  cruelty  and  daring  ; 
All  of  that  manly  and  immortal  cast, 
Which  now  becomes  the  ambition  of  my  soul ; 
From  which,  if  I  do  wince,  great  Jove,  forget  me  ! 

Neri.  Amen  ! 

Gior.  Speak  out ;  by  thec  I  will  be  ruled. 

Neri.  All  arc  convened  within  the  Sibyl's  cave  : 
Let's  thither  go,  and  not  a  moment  lose. 

Gior.  Ev'n  fate's  despite,  I  am  resolved  to  dare. 

Neri.  To-night,  to-night — our  watch-word  be,  to-night. 

Gior.  To-night,  to-night — to  glory  or  to  death. 

[Exeunt* 


ACT    IV. 

SCENE  I.     A  romantic  spot;  a  Cave  in  the  back  ground. 
Several  Conspirators  assembled.     Enter  COSMO. 

Cosmo.  HUSH  !  they  approach.     Give  them  all  ear. 
Enter  GIORDANO  and  NERI. 

Gior.  My  friends, 

I  greet  you  all  with  best  acknowledgments. 
'Tis  not  alone,  that  I've  by  Neri  heard 
Your  dauntless  resolution ;  and  I  see 
Stamped  on  each  face  the  daring  of  the  heart. 
[To  COSMO.]  I  grieve,  that  in  the  fury  of  chagrin 
I  gave  such  lawless  license  to  my  tongue, 
As  doubtless  festers  on  the  high-born  soul ; 
But  think  no  more  of  it,  and  be  my  friend. 

Cosmo.  Thy  noble  nature  condescends  too  far; 
The  offence  is  past,  and  all's  forgotten  now. 

9 


66  GIORDANO.  Act  IV. 

Neri.  Then,  is  the  luckless  breach  entire  again. 

Gior.  Some  influential  men  await  without, 
With  whom  we  should  unite  ;  brave  spirits  all. 
Shall  they,  my  friends,  have  audience .? 

Cosmo.  Yes,  surely, 
If  they  can  serve  the  state  and  cause. 

Gior.  They  can. 

Cosmo.  Deny  them  not  admittance. 

Gior.  My  heart's  friend, 
Be  thine  this  task. 

Neri.  My  lord,  thy  servant  ever.  [Exit  NERI. 

A  -pause,  then  re-enter  NERI,  followed  by  several  Citizens. 

Gior.  Welcome.    My  trusty,  brave,  and  cherished  friends, 
I  need  not  now  repeat  again  to  you, 
The  sum  and  secret,  you've  from  Neri  heard  ; 
Yet,  give  me  ear,  that  I  may  once  essay 
To  speak  the  wrongs  which  force  us  to  rebel. 

Neri.  Speak  on,  my  lord. 

Cosmo.  Thy  word  to  us  is  law. 

Gior.  Think  not  that  selfish  aims  impel  me  on  ; 
No  !  'tis  our  dear  and  bleeding  country's  wrongs, 
That  call  in  thunder-tone  for  wide  revenge. 

Neri-  'Tis  these  alone,  which  instigate  my  heart, 


Scene  I.  GIORDANO.  67 

To  doom  our  proud  oppressor's  overthrow — 
And  I  may  answer  for  my  valiant  friends, 
Who,  robbed  of  liberty,  life's  richest  boon, 
Thirst  for  revenge  upon  the  tyrant  Duke. 

Glor.  Let  us  succeed,  as  we  most  surely  will, 
Again  shall  all  your  privileges  be  fixed 
On  such  a  firm  and  lasting  pedestal, 
That  nothing,  save  Omnipotence  himself, 
Will  e'er  reduce  you  to  your  present  thrall. 

Conspir.  All  hail — Giordano  ! 

Citizens.  Hail  to  thee — Giordano  ! 

Gior.  I  speak  to  you  as  men ;  and  brave  you  are, 
With  hearts  and  hands  prepared  to  strike  for  freedom- 
The  richest  blood  of  olden  times,  has  drenched 
Our  own  loved  land  in  freedom's  holy  cause  : 
The  world  applauds  the  daring  of  our  sires, 
And  in  each  heart  their  monument  is  built. 
We  may  rank  with  them  in  a  future  age, 
If  heaven  should  smile  upon  our  great  emprise ; 
And  it  will  smile,  if  to  ourselves  we're  true. 

Conspir.  We  shall  have  liberty. 

Citizens.  And  wide  revenge. 

Gior.  O,  could  the  noble  Medician  line, 
From  their  sepulchral  slumbers  start  to  life, 
How  would  they  gaze  upon  our  abject  state! 


68  GIORDANO.  Act  IV- 

Yea,  as  they  gazed,  their  burning  tears  of  blood 
Would  overflow  the  city,  and  arouse 
Each  mute  and  lifeless  thing  to  shout  aloud, 
Death  to  oppressors,  liberty  to  man  ! 

Neri.  This  speaks  a  brave  and  patriotic  heart. 

Gior.   What !  shall  our  Florence,  that  for  ages  was 
Ruled  by  her  free-born  sons,  who  held  the  reins, 
Not  as  Dukes, — Dukes !  tyrants  I  should  have  said, 
But,  by  their  fellow-citize»s'  consent, 
Be  lorded  over  thus,  by  royal  blood? 
Shall  we  ignobly  crouch,  and  see  this  Duke, 
(Whose  family  but  as  yesterday  hath  been, 
By  German  monarch's  power  and  Papal  guile, 
Placed  on  a  guilty  throne,)  with  sceptered  hand 
Enslave  the  people,  and  abuse  their  laws? 
And,  at  his  nod,  shall  we  his  vassals  bow, 
Or,  rise  like  patriots  and  redress  our  wrongs  ? 

Neri.  Each  word  is  magic;  I  am  all  a-fire, 
To  do  a  mighty  deed. 

Citizens.  Death  to  all  Dukes. 

Cosmo.  His  eloquence  is  all-convincing  proof. 

Neri.  Our  wrongs  are  countless  as  the  stars  of  eve, 
And  black  as  midnight  are  our  tyrant's  crimes. 

Gior.  Such  hearts  should  only  live  in  such  a  time. 
They  boast  of  ancient  blood  and  noble  birth ! 


Scene  /.  GIORDANO.  69 

What  wondrous  virtue  has  their  blood  from  ours  ? 
Where  is  nobility,  save  in  the  mind  ? 
My  friends,  1  speak  to  you  on  certain  proofs, 
Which  have  convinced  me  of  such  losel  deeds, 
That  language  burns,  yet  has  not  words  to  name 
Our  festering  wrongs,  and  their  outrageous  crimes. 

Neri.  Our  spirits  flash  like  lightning  from  the  cloud, 
To  strike  and  blast  them. 

Cosmo.  We  are  doubly  fixed. 

Gior.  It  much  behooves  us,  in  a  cause  like  this, 
To  move  with  secrecy,  despatch  and  care ; 
But,  pardon  me,  I  do  not  mean  to  question 
The  great  resolves  by  which  you  are  combined  ; 
Then,  pray  you  all,  retire  with  my  good  friend, 
That,  by  a  sacred  covenant  you  seal 
Each  lip,  and  fix  perdition  on  the  soul 
That  breaks  it.     Neri,  thou  wilt  lead  them  in. 

[Exeunt  all  into  the  Cave,  except  GIORDANO. 
They're  gone  !  I  thank  thee,  Destiny  of  man, 
And  thee,  Ambition,  that  I  worship,  thank  ! 
No  longer  do  I  fear  my  luke-warm  heart, 
Which  often  has  my  aspirations  checked. 
My  bosom  now  is  fraught  with  stern  resolves — 
Remorseless  'tis — here  dwell  all  qualities 
That  man  distinguish  from  the  meaner  clay, 


70  GIORDANO.  Act  IV. 

Who  breathe,  and  boast,  and  strut,  and  wear  his  form. 
Hark,  hark  !  again  !  'tis  done,  and  they  approach. 

Re-enter  NERI,  COSMO,  CONSPIRATORS  and  CITIZENS. 

Neri.  It  is  performed,  and  all  have  freely  sworn : 
This  is  the  cup,  rich  with  the  purple  blood, 
Warm  from  each  vein. 

Gior.  My  friends,  that  ye  are  men 
Of  noble  daring,  and  high-reaching  souls, 
Each  word  and  action,  yea,  each  look,  bespeaks. 
When  I  craved  blood,  ye  freely  ope'd  your  veins : 
That  tells  your  virtues.     Corne — look  in  this  goblet ! 
Mark  how  the  blood  congeals !  stand  forth,  the  one 
Who  can  distinguish,  or  can  separate 
His  own  from  this  condition. 

Cosmo.  We  cannot. 

Gior.  None  ,?  I  beseech  ye,  friends,  consider  this 
An  emblem  of  ourselves — indivisible. 

Neri.  We  shall,  my  lord. 

Gior.  Lo !  sec  within  this  wall 
There  is  a  secret  and  a  dark  recess ; 
Approach! 

Cosmo.  As  dark  as  is  a  charnel-house. 

Gior.  Whatever  enters  is  as  in  the  grave. 


Scene  I.  GIORDANO.  71 

I  pray  ye,  friends,  entomb  the  chalice  there  :  — 
Stay,  fellow  bondmen,  think  well  on  the  terms. 

Cosmo.  What  are  the  terms  ? 

Gior.  This  is  the  throne  of  silence. 
If  Neri  place  it  on  that  pedestal, 
Now,  with  the  full  consent  of  all  around, 
It  is  a  seal  of  secrecy  and  silence. 
This  is  a  charmed  spot,  andVo  betide 
Whoever  breaks  the  Sibyl's  requisition. 
With  one  consent  ye  freely  do  accord  ? 

Cosmo.  We  do. 

Gior.  Then  place  it  there. 

Neri.  'Tis  done,  my  lord. 

Gior.  There's  nought  'neath  Heaven  so  silent  as  the  grave ! 
Ye  swear  to  hide,  deep  in  your  bosom's  core, 
This  plot,  e'en  as  the  soul-interred  thought. 

Omnes.  We  swear ! 

Gior.  By  hopes  of  future  bliss. 

Omnes.  We  swear ! 

Gior.  Amen!     Our  force  is  strong;  we  shall  succeed, 
If  my  poor  service,  ever  at  command, 
Can  aught  avail ;  and  when  the  yawning  seas, 
Which  so  beset  our  dear^loved  native  ship, 
Are  lulled  to  peace,  the  people's  voice  shall  then, 
Both  free  and  unrestrained,  appoint  a  pilot. 


72  GIORDANO.  Act  IV. 

Neri.  Thou  art  the  noblest  Florentine,  my  lord ; 
'Tis  thou,  and  thou  alone,  shalt  hold  the  helm. 

Gior.  The  army  lies  encamped  a  few  miles  hence, 
And  at  my  nod  it  is  resolved  to  march. 

Cosmo.  Thou  art  the  man,  hereafter  shall  be  Duke. 

Neri.  All  hail,  Giordano  !  ruler  that  shall  be. 

Gior.  No  more,  I  pray  thee — it  is  understood. 
Despatch  is  victory,  but  delay  is  death  ; 
Then  let  us  boldly  strike.     Our  patriot  deed 
Will  so  alarm  the  Duke,  and  awe  the  Senate, 
That  long  ere  either  summons  nerve  to  move, 
Each  castle,  fortress,  citadel  and  tower, 
Will  call  us  masters. — Friends,  I  cry  despatch  ! 

Neri.  Despatch  our  motto — wear  it  on  your  hearts. 

Gior.  What  is  arranged,  and  what  is  still  to  do, 
I  leave    with  thee,  and  with  my  honest  friend, 
While  I  forthwith  proceed  unto  the  palace, 
And  mark  how  lies  our  course. 

Neri.  What  is  the  hour  f 

Gior.  Midnight. 

Cosmo.  The  meeting  place  ? 

Gior.  My  house ;  and  Neri, 
Who  is  my  counsellor  and  dearest  friend, 
Will  lead  ye  thither,  and  mean  time  devise 
Such  plans  as  intervening  hours  require. 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  73 

Away,  brave  souls,  away ;  nor  rest  nor  sleep 
Shall  this  heart  know,  till  freedom  is  achieved. 

[Exeunt. 


SCENE  II.     The  Palace.    Enter  the  DUKE  and  COLONNI, 
opposite. 

Duke.  My  son ! 

Col.  A  wounded  man  is  hither  brought, 
So  much  with  gaping  stabs  and  blood  disguised* 
By  none  around  has  he  been  recognised. 

Duke.  Well,  what  of  that  ?     For  such  unruly  times, 
Is  aught  unnatural,  although  to  nature 
It  speaks  rebellion  ? 

Col.  Sire,  he  strangely  talks  ; 
In  broken  accents,  and  by  gestures  vague, 
(For  scarcely  hath  he  breath  to  speak  or  live,) 
Reveals  all  is  not  right. 

Duke.  So!  lead  us  to  him. 

Col.  Come,  question  quickly,  else  he  may  be  dead. 

[Exeunt. 


10 


74  GIORDANO.  Act  IV. 


SCENE  III.     The  Palace.     Enter  IMELDA  and  BELLA. 

Imel.  What  are  the  guesses,  pray  ? 

Del.  Some  think  he  is 

A  traveller,  who,  by  villains  hath  been  robbed ; 
While  others  fancy  that  he  is  the  squire 
Who  bore  thy  lover  company. 

Imel.  O,  Heaven ! 

Bel.  Be  not  distressed,  for  this  is  but  surmise. 

Imel.  Yet  bare  surmise,  in  such  a  case  as  this, 
Is  horrible.     Bella,  can  he  not  speak  ? 

Bel.  But  incoherently.  [Aside.]  I  do  repent, 
And  curse  the  gilded  trash  that  bought  my  soul. 

Imel.  O,  much  I  fear  that  there  is  something  wrong. 

Bel.  E'en  now  thy  royal  father  questions  him, 
And  on  the  instant,  doubtless,  will  return 
To  calm  thy  fears. 

Imel.  At  parting  I  was  sad, 
And  dreadful  omens  spoke  in  fearful  tones ; 
Now,  this  mischance  seems  to  embody  all 
My  worst  imaginings  in  worst  of  shapes. 
Divin'st  thou  aught  ? 

Bel.  I  cannot  guess,  my  lady. 


Scene  IV.  GIORDANO.  75 


Enter  the  DUKE. 

Intel.  What  hast  discovered,  father  ? 

Duke.  He  is  the  squire 
Who  with  thy  love  so  lately  journeyed  hence. 

Imel.  Mercy  ! 

Duke.  Fear  nothing ;  Conradine  is  safe. 

Imel.  Kind  Heaven,  I  thank  thee  !  Father,  tell  me  all. 

Duke.  We  know  not  more :  but  strongly  we  suspect, 
There  is  fresh  treason  stirring  in  the  state. 
Retire,  while  we  proceed  unto  the  cell 
Where  lies  Maniri.     Doubts  are  gathering  o'er  us, 
Which  we  from  him  may  have  confirmed  or  stilled. 

Imel.  Good  Heaven,  conduct  us  through  this  fearful  time! 

[Exeunt. 


SCENE  IV.     A  Dungeon.    MANIRI,  in  chains. 

Man.  Who  could  have  thought  that  this  would  be  my  doom ! 
That  I,  who  from  green  youth  to  wintry  age 
Had  served  the  state,  would  in  a  dungeon  close 
A  life  of  useful  toil.     No  traitorous  aim 
Had  ever  being  here.     O  that  the  world 


70  GIORDANO.  Act  IV 

Might,  from  my  undeserved  fate,  behold 

The  ingratitude  of  man.     Perchance  I  stood 

Before  the  sun  and  an  ambitious  mind, 

Who,  for  my  place,  has  charged  me  with  rebellion. 

Hark !  hark !  the  door  unbars  ;  some  one  approaches, 

I  know  not  what  new  doom  awaits  me  now. 

Enter  the  DUKE. 

Duke,  Canst  look  us  in  the  face  ? 
Man.  Through  the  dim  light 
That  sickly  lives  within  my  prison-house, 
I  gaze  on  thee  ;  yea,  were  the  brilliant  sun 
Shedding  his  golden  beams  full  on  thy  brow, 
Should  not  avoid  thine  eye. 

Duke.  Is  guilt  so  bold? 

Man.  I  never  wronged  thee :  by  my  hoary  hairs, 
And  by  my  name,  which  spotless  was  till  now ; 
Yea,  by  the  love  I  bore  and  bear  thee  still, 
Before  high  Heaven's  all-searching  eye,  avouch 
That  in  intent  or  act,  I  never  wronged  thee. 

Duke.  Not  in  reality — thy  hireling  failed. 

Man.  Failed  !  what  failed  ? 

Duke.  Yes  !  and  Conradine  still  lives. 

Man.  Upon  my  knees,  protecting  powers,  I  thank  thee! 


Scene  IV.  GIORDANO.  77 

Now  will  my  innocence  be  proved,  for  he 

Can  speak  how  I  have  loved  him,  and  can  tell 

That  I  have  doted  on  him  as  my  son. 

O,  thanks,  kind  Heaven !  for  now  indeed,  there's  hope, 

I  may  not  in  my  wintry  age  descend 

Into  the  grave,  stained  with  a  traitor's  name. 

Where  is  he  now  ? 

Duke.  Alas !  we  cannot  say  ; 
To  learn  from  thee,  has  been  our  errand  hither. 

Man.  From  me  !  what  do  I  know  ?  I'm  ignorant. 

Duke.  Thou  know'st  he  scarcely  had  returned  from  war, 
(Ere  he  could  turn  a  thought  to  thee,  or  else,) 
When  he  set  out  to  see  his  father  die, — 
For  such  a  hapless  message  was  received — 
And  thither  bound,  he  was  in  Arno's  vale 
This  day  attacked  by  some  rebellious  hand  : 
Thank  Heaven!  he  'scaped,  although  his  servant  fell. 

Man.  Returned  from  war !  attacked  in  Arno's  vale ! 
Mysterious  all !  I  do  not  comprehend. 

Duke.  Why  did  ye  this  ? 

Man.  It  was  no  act  of  mine. 
I  am  amazed  !    Think,  what  converse  had  I, 
Or  could  have  had,  with  villains,  here  pent  up  ? 
As  I  am  guiltless  of  the  last  attempt, 
So  was  I  also  of  the  first,  my  liege. 


78  GIORDANO.  Act  IV. 

Duke.  [Aside.]  Is  this  the  face  of  guilt  ?  it  cannot  be ! 
If  thou  didst  not,  who  could  have  been  so  base  ? 

Man.  That  I  am  guiltless,  I  again  aver, 
But  who  is  guilty,  there's  no  certain  proof: 
Yet,  look  to  my  accuser. 

Duke.  Ha !  what's  this  ? 

Man.  Yes,  look  to  him. 

Duke.  What !  know'st  thou  aught  ?    Speak  out. 

Man.  I  say  no  more. 

Duke.  Unfold  thy  heart  before  us. 

Man.  'Tis  ever  yours,  yet  nothing  certain  knows  ; 
But  I  have  watched  him  with  a  lynx-eye  gaze, 
And  read  his  thoughts,  and  therefore  do  suspect. 

Duke.  Tush,  tush!  suspicion  merely  :  not  one  charge 
Canst  bring  against  his  sun-encircled  name  ? 
Think'st  that  aspersing  him,  will  prove  thee  guiltless  ? 

Man.  I  shall  say  nothing  further  of  myself; 
I  am  adjudged  guilty  by  my  peers, 
And  quietly  yield  unto  my  hapless  fate. 

Duke.  [Aside.']  More,  and  still  more,  our  heart  inclines  to 

him  ; 

Each  word  and  look  assures  us  he  is  wronged. 
We  are  resolved.     My  ancient  friend. 

Man.  My  sire ! 

Duke.  Doubts  have  this  day  so  settled  on  our  mind, 


ScenelV.  GIORDANO.  79 

That  we  believe  thou  mayst  be  innocent; 
On  one  condition,  therefore,  we  will  ope 
Thy  dungeon  bars. 

Man.  Sire,  what  is  this !  name  it. 

Duke.  That  thou  before  the  Senate  will  appear, 
To  establish  there,  not  plead,  thy  innocence, 
Which,  if  thou  fail  to  do,  thy  doom  is  death. 

Man.  Is  there  a  chance  that  I  may  yet  be  free, 
And  stand  acquitted  of  this  horrid  crime  ? 
To  live  to  see  that  day,  were  life  enough  ! 

Duke.  Dost  thou  consent  ? 

Man.  With  thanks  and  gladness,  sire. 

Duke.  Jailer,  attend! 

Man.  Bless  thee,    my  reverend  monarch  ! 

Enter  a  JAILER. 

Duke.  Strike  off  his  fetters.     Now  the  door  is  ope'd. 

Jailer.  This  makes  me  glad. 

Duke.  Wherefore? 

Jailer.  If  my  liege  permit, 
Before  thee  and  Giordano  I  will  speak. 

Man.  Now  hope  more  brightly  smiles. 

Duke.  Villain,  beware ! 
Yet  we'll  confront  thee  with  our  minister. 


80  GIORDANO.  Act  IV. 

Thy  life's  in  danger,  if  thy  words  be  false. 
Doubts  gather  thicker  o'er  us.     Now,  lead  on. 

[Exeunt. 


SCENE  V.      The  Palace.     Enter  GIORDANO. 

Gior.  Although  I  feel  the  hour  of  carnage  near, 
My  friend's  bold  challenge  and  my  great  designs, 
O'ertop  all  else.    Ambition  reigns  supreme, 
And  rallies  round  its  citadel,  the  heart, 
The  sternest  passions,  all  in  fierce  array. 
I  am  not  what  I  was  ;  my  nature's  changed, 
And  every  feeling  that  once  held  control, 
Yields  to  my  dream  of  glory.     What  is  this  ? 
Who  is't  comes  hither !  Hah !  Yea,  let  them  come. 

Enter  the  DUKE  and  MANIRI. 

Duke.  My  friend,  with  cheek  unblanched,  with  shrinkless 

eye, 

With  voice  unfaltering,  and  in  look  sincere, 
I  pray  thee  answer  us :  believ'st  him  guilty  ? 

Gior.  Your  grace  amazes  me ;  this  lawless  act, 


Scene  V.  GIORDANO.  81 

So  far  o'ersteps  the  prudence  of  thy  life, 
I  know  not  how  to  answer.     Why  is  this? 

Man,  My  liege,  look  on  him:  watch  his  eye  and  lip, 
They,  not  amazement  show,  but  guilt. 

Duke.  Think'st  so ! 

Gior.  Why  has  the  traitor's  dungeon  been  unbarred? 
I  hope  thou'rt  wise,  as  thou  wert  in  thy  prime. 

Duke.  Strange  doubts  have  lately  gathered  o'er  our  mind  ; 
Yet  we  have  loved  thee,  almost  love  thee  still, 
And,  loving,  doubt  thy  loyalty  and  truth. 
Better  to  live  in  knowledge,  good  or  ill, 
Than  have  a  something  pendant  o'er  our  head 
We  know  not  of,  which  tortures  us  with  fear. 

Gior.  I  know  not  what  thy  strange  proceedings  mean. 

Duke.  Believ'st  him  guilty? 

Gior.  Yes,  my  liege,  I  do. 

Man.  Of  treason? 

Gior.  Ay!  the  Senate  was  convinced. 

Man.  As  I  shall  answer  at  the  judgment  seat, 
And  as  this  hour  He  knows — I'm  innocent. 

Gior.  Denying  once,  'tis  virtue  still  to  swear. 

Duke.  Bring  back  thy  proofs,  we'll  hear  them  all  again. 

Gior.  I  will  not  take  a  monstrous  course  like  this, 
Beyond  all  law  or  custom.     Bear  him  back. 

Man.  Prithee,  my  liege,  command  the  jailer  hither. 

11 


82  GIORDANO.  Act  IV. 

Gior.  [Aside,]  I'll  boldly  stand  this  pass ;  the  hour's  at  hand, 
When  I  shall  be  the  lord  of  all  the  realm  ; 
Then  what  have  I  to  fear  ?    I  will  bear  up : 
To  live  in  fear,  is  scarcely  to  exist. 

Duke.  Jailer,  attend ! 

Gior.  What !  ha  !  the  craven  slave  ! 

Enter  the  JAILER. 

Duke.  Dost  still  assert  his  guilt  ? 

Gior.  I  only  spoke 

The  damning  proofs  that  swayed  the  Senate's  mind, 
Which  Neri  knew,  and  countless  others  proved. 

Duke.  Speak  what  thou  knovv'st. 

Jailer.  Maniri  scarcely  was 
Intrusted  to  my  charge,  till  by  Giordano — 

Crior.  Liar ! 

Jailer.  A  purse  of  gold  was  proffered  me — 

Gior.  Slave,  reptile,  babbler,  in  thy  falsehood  die ! 

[Stabs  the  JAILER. 

Duke.  This  before  our  face  ! 

Gior.  Ay !  before  the  face 
Of  greater  power  than  thine — of  Heaven  itself! 

Duke.  Wherefore,  rash  man,  didst  thou  this  bloody  deed  ? 

Gior.  The  perjured  fool  now  silent  on  the  earth, 


Scene  V.  GIORDANO.  83 

Should  ne'er  have  raised  his  front  erect  to  Heaven, 
But  slept  for  ever  in  ignoble  dust. 

Duke.  Ho  there  !  within!  a  guard — a  guard! 

Enter  an  OFFICER,  and  SOLDIERS. 

Seize  him  ! 

Gior.  Stand  back,  ye  coward  slaves,  and  bow  to  me, 
Not  to  that  dotard — see,  he  is  insane  ; 
He's  slain  the  jailer,  and  that  traitor  freed, 
And  now  would  also  murder  me.     Stand  back! 
Look  to  Maniri  well ;  ye,  to  the  Senate 
Shall  answer  for  his  safety  with  your  lives! 
Stand  back,  I  say  ;  who  dares  approach  me  dies.         [Exit, 

Duke.  Disloyal  knaves,  obey ! 

Man.  Treason,  treason ! 

[Scene  closes. 


ACT    V. 

SCENE  I.     The   Palace.     A  flourish.     Enter  the   DUKE, 
MANIRI,  and  CAVILIDO,  attended. 

Duke.  It  was  an  act  of  madness,  or  of  guilt. 

Cav.  I  must  confess,  it  savors  most  of  guilt. 

Duke.  Did  we  not  awe  the  false  guards  with  a  look  ? 
Such  is  the  gaze  of  majesty  !     My  friend, 
We're  almost  sure  that  thou  art  much  abused. 

Man.  I  am  indeed  ;  would  thou,  my  liege,  wert  sure'. 

Cav.  My  heart  believes  thee  guiltless,  but  the  proof 
Was  with  such  skill  arrayed,  and  seemed  so  true, 
It  ruled  all  feeling,  and  pronounced  thy  doom. 

Man.  I  censure  none — not  thee. 

Duke.  To  stab  the  jailer, 
And  chide  us  with  disloyal  words,  and  false  ! 
We  never  can  forget  this,  nor  forgive. 

Cav.  I  feared  Giordano,  and  opposed  his  rise, 
For  secret  doubts  were  fretting  in  my  mind, 
Yet  none  that  now  I  feel. 


Scene  I.  GIORDANO.  85 

Duke.  Thou  counselledst  wisely  : 
But  his  exploits  had  so  engaged  our  heart, 
Our  judgment  was  bewildered. 

Cav.  Say  not  so, 

Nor  turn  reproachful  glances  on  the  past ; 
But  only  think,  my  liege,  of  coming  danger. 

Duke.  Thou  must  be  innocent.     Where  tarry  all .? 

Enter  COLONNI. 

What  news,  my  son  .?    Hast  thou  discovered  aught  ? 

Col.  A  feeling  strange  prevails  throughout  the  city  ; 
Some  move  with  stealthy  step,  and  speak  by  signs  ; 
Some  whisper  and  start  back,  as  if  observed  ; 
While  others  pale  or  redden,  as  they  gaze 
Upon  the  firmament,  and  watch  the  stars 
Twinkling  their  fires  as  darkness  thickens  round. 
Old  men  appear  as  if  distressed  in  thought, 
And  to  inquiring  looks,  show  doubt  and  fear. 
Women  address  a  prayer  to  Heaven,  and  sigh, 
Then  hug  their  infants  closer  to  their  breasts ; 
While  children,  seeing  them,  do  weep  and  tremble. 

Duke.  What  does  't  portend  ? 

Cav.  It  bodes  a  coming  evil — 
A  fearful  pause  ere  the  tornado  wakes. 


86  GIORDANO.  Act  V. 

Duke.  Each  moment  brings  alarm. 

CoL  Yea,  in  the  palace 

None  seem  as  wont,  but  each  appears  to  wear 
A  look  of  mystery.     I  sought  for  Neri, 
That,  by  his  aid,  the  surer  I  might  move — 
I  found  him  not,  and  none  will  speak  of  him. 

Duke.  Where  is  the  tainted  one .? 

CoL  Of  him  no  trace 

Has  been  discovered  since  the  monstrous  act ; 
Which  done,  my  sire,  he  hurried  from  the  palace. 

Cav.  There  is  some  danger  near. 

Duke.  Treble  the  guards, 
And  with  despatch  send  sentinels  abroad  ; 
Command  each  one  to  keep  a  watchful  eye, 
And  all  they  do  observe,  report  to  us.  [Exit  COLONNI. 

Man.  Did  Neri  not  advance  the  strongest  proof? 

Cav.  He  did:  my  liege,  that,  joined  with  present  fears, 
Adds  doubt  to  doubt. 

Duke.  It  does.     Question  his  wife, 
And  if  she  speak  not,  give  her  to  the  rack  : 
Let  torture  force  her  guilty  thoughts  to  light. 

[Exit  an  Attendant. 

Proclaim  a  rich  reward  to  him  who  brings 
Assurance  of  our  doubts.  [Exit  another  Attendant. 

How  dost  thou  feel .? 


Scene  II.  GIORDANO.  87 

Man.  My  chains,  not  on  the  body  now,  but  mind, 
Make  scarce  a  feather's  poise. 

Re-enter  COLONNI. 

Duke.  What  new  report  ? 

Col.  One  has  returned,  who  gives  it  as  belief, 
That  armed  men  suspiciously  convene 
Within  Giordano's  house. 

Duke.  Can  this  be  so ! 
Then  'tis  no  time  to  talk — Come,  follow  us.  [Exeunt. 


SCENE  IT.     A  street.     Enter  GIORDANO. 

Gior.  Now  is  the  crisis  near  :  my  heart  is  firm, 
And  at  the  dawn  I'll  wear  supreme  command. 
But  if  I  fail ! — what  then  will  be  my  fate  ? 
— To  overleap  the  rugged  height  of  time, 
Into  thy  shoreless  sea,  eternity  ! 
Fleetly  as  speeds  the  demon  of  the  storm, 
When,  mounted  on  his  desolating  car, 
He  lashes  the  whirlwind.     The  heartless  slave 
Who  spurned  my  gold,  now  trembles  'fore  his  doom 
That,  and  its  sequent,  prove  revealment  near, 
But  wrest  nor  hope,  nor  daring  from  this  soul. 


88  GIORDANO.  Act  V. 


Enter  NERI.. 

Are  all  prepared?     Stands  every  one  resolved? 

Neri.  Thirsting  like  famished  tigers  for  their  prey. 

Gior.  Soon  shall  they  clutch  it.     I've  no  pause  to  tell 
The  deed  that's  done.     Hear  thou,  this  instant  may 
Unto  the  world  voice  out  our  great  emprise. 

Neri.  What !  how  is  this,  my  lord  ? 

Gior.  No  matter  now  : 
Be  dauntless  as  I  am. 

Neri.  Fear  not  my  heart! 
It  hungers  for  the  festival  of  blood. 

Gior.  Lose  not  a  moment,  summon  from  my  house 
Unto  the  palace-court,  my  valiant  friends — 
The  signal  sound,  to  stir  the  city  up, 
And  speed  a  courier  to  the  camp.     Tell  all, 
The  glorious  harvest's  ripe,  and  they,  the  reapers, 
Like  sturdy  serfs,  must  use  the  sickle  well, 
And  garner  too. 

Neri.  Thou  art  thyself,  my  lord, 
And  greatness  beckons  thee.  \Exi1. 

Gior.  Away !     Now  like 

The  forest's  king,  when  first  he  gorges  blood, 
I  madly  thirst  for  more — in  it  I'll  glut. 


Scene  III.  GIORDANO.  89 

With  hand  of  iron,  I'll  seize  the  golden  crown, 

And  in  as  firm  a  grasp  will  ever  hold  it. 

Ha !  now  alarm  hath  waked  throughout  the  palace, 

And  in  fit  time  to  gaze  upon  my  deeds. 

Louder  it  sounds  !     Ambition,  from  thy  throne, 

(That  'bove  the  Apennines  is  pedestaled, 

Higher  than  is  their  summit  from  the  base,) 

Smile  on  my  great  intent.     Hah!  let  it  rage. 

Now  to  the  strife :  to  all  opposers,  death  !  [Exit. 


SCENE    III.     The   Palace.     Alarms.      Enter  the  DUKE, 
MANIRI,  and  CAVILIDO,  attended,  and  COLONNI,  opposite. 

Col.  Treason,  treason !  our  fears  are  all  confirmed, 
And  foul  rebellion  terrifies  the  realm. 

Duke.  What !  how  discovered  ?  speak  ! 

Col.  She  has  confessed, 
And  told  a  history  of  atrocious  guilt. 

Cav.  Merciful  powers ! 

Duke.  Thou  art  acquitted  now ; 
Thy  titles,  power  and  love,  are  all  restored. 
Sound  the  alarm,  and  rouse  each  loyal  heart 
Against  the  rebel  knaves.  [Exit  an  Attendant. 

Man.  Justice  is  mine; 

12 


90  GIORDANO.  Act  V. 

And  now  my  innocence  will  be  inscribed 
Upon  my  country's  archives.     Bless  thee,  liege. 
Protect  him,  Heaven,  and  quell  the  coming  storm. 

Cav.  This  is  a  fearful  night ! 

Duke.  What  hast  thou  heard  ? 

Col.  I  cannot  speak,  how  one  I  dearly  prized, 
Has  friendship,  love,  and  loyalty  belied. 
Here  comes  my  sister,  she  can  tell  thee  all. 

Enter  I  MELD  A. 

Duke.  My  daughter,  speak ! 

Imel.  All,  Bella  has  confessed  ; 
And  'tis  enough  to  make  the  stoutest  quail. 
Protect  me,  sire ;  where  shall  I  hide  my  fears  ? 

Duke.  Quick,  tell  us  all  thou'st  heard. 

Imel.  Urged  on  by  Neri, 
Giordano  aims  against  thy  life  and  throne  ; 
Yea,  all  are  doomed  to  swell  the  general  wreck. 

Man.  Said  I  not  so  ! 

Duke.  Henceforth  I'll  never  trust 
The  looks,  or  words,  or  actions  of  mankind — 
The  treason  and  the  traitor  vex  our  heart. 
Wears  this  rebellion  a  determined  front  ? 

Imel.  Ay,  fearful  numbers  round  his  standard  flock, 


Scene  HI.  GIORDANO.  91 

And  all  his  motions  are  with  skill  arranged. 

Duke.  Out,  out,  my  son,  and  arm  the  royal  guard, 
And  rouse  each  spirit  up,  to  boldly  meet 
The  dread  emergency. 

Col.  'Tis  done,  my  sire.  [Exit. 

Imel.  Thou  wert  abused. 

Man.  Spoke  she  of  me  ? 

Imel.  The  deed 
For  which  thou  sufFeredst,  was  the  villain's  act. 

Duke.  How  we  have  been  deceived  !    What  is  their  hour  ? 

Imel.  Midnight. 

Cav.  So  near  !     Time's  never-tiring  tread 
Hath  almost  turned,  my  liege,  the  night  to  morning. 

Duke.  Can  such  things  be  ?  They  do  amaze  us  much. 

Imel.  Father,  what  shall  I  do  ?     My  heart's  approved 
May  be  in  danger  still. 

Duke.  Fear  not,  my  child  ; 
These  joyous  shouts  speak  his  return.     He  comes ! 

Enter  CONRADINE. 

Conrad.  My  love !  my  liege,  and  friends !  how  fares  the  state  ? 
Duke.  Treason  most  foul,  and  sacrilegious  murder, 
Are  the  ascendants  of  the  time. 
Conrad.  Ha,  so! 


92  GIORDANO.  Act  V. 

It  was  a  forgery  most  foul :  my  sire 
Is  hale  and  well.     The  tale  of  my  decease, 
Despatched  my  brother  onward  to  the  city  ; 
Upon  the  road  we  met,  in  great  surprise. 

Imel.  O,  thou  art  safe ! 

Conrad.  Strange  thoughts  perplexed  me  then, 
And  fearing  more  than  I  dared  think  upon, 
I  hurried  hither,  and  find  all  confirmed. 

Duke.  O  much  abused  and  most  loyal  friend  ! 
Thou  hadst  no  aims  against  his  life — 'twas  false — 
Yes,  it  was  false  as  hell :  forgive,  forgive. 

Conrad.  Thou  art  no  foe  of  mine.     I'll  tell  the  one 
Who  dares  accuse  thee,  to  his  teeth,  he  lies — 
My  foster  father,  ever  fond  and  kind  ! 

Man.  I  am,  I  am,  indeed! 

Duke.  We  have  no  time 
To  lose  in  idle  disquisition  now. 
Retire,  my  child,  for  in  such  rebel  times, 
We  all  must  buckle  resolution  on. 
Retire,  my  love,  nor  risk  thy  precious  life, 
Where  thou  canst  do  no  service.  [Exit  IMELDA. 

Come,  despatch! 

Conrad.  This  is  the  time  for  energy  and  strength. 

Man.  My  aged  limbs  will  now  renew  their  youth; 
Give  me  a  sword,  my  liege,  and  I  will  prove 
As  true  a  son  as  Florence  ever  bore. 


Scene  III.  GIORDANO.  93 

Duke.  Be  this  one  thine.     May  glory  crown  thy  deeds. 

[Exit  MANIRI. 

Ring  the  alarm  !  the  utmost  must  be  done. 
My  child  says  little,  but  she  deeply  feels: 
It  is  no  time  to  talk  of  nuptials  now. 

Conrad.  Revenge,  revenge  alone  pervades  my  heart. 

Cav.  The  state  alone  engrosses  all  my  thoughts. 

Re-enter  COLONNI. 

Col.  The  city  is  in  arms,  and  flambeaux  glare 
In  every  street.     The  fearful  storm  is  up. 
Traitors  are  rushing  to  the  palace-court, 
And  every  omen  speaks  a  bloody  fray. 
Your  aged  servant,  lately  freed  from  thrall, 
Achieves  more  wonders  with  his  silver  tongue, 
Than  I  believed  was  in  the  power  of  words. 
He  has  already  armed  a  powerful  band, 
And  thousands,  pre-disposed  to  foul  rebellion, 
Are  the  most  loyal  subjects  in  the  realm. 

Duke.  We'll  meet  them  manfully;  ourself  will  lead 
The  royal  troops,  and  rout  the  rebel  fools. 

Conrad.  My  liege,  command,  we  will  defend  thy  throne. 

Duke.  No  longer  parley :  for  the  onset,  arm  ! 

[Exeunt. 


94  GIORDANO.  Act  V. 


SCENE  IV.     The  Palace  Court.     Alarms.     Enter  NERI, 
COSMO,  Conspirators,  and  Citizens. 

Neri.  I  feel  as  all  were  o'er  and  all  were  well ; 
If  not,  'twill  be  no  fault  of  mine — for  now 
Revenge,  and  hate  for  former  wrongs  arise, 
With  hydra  heads,  to  wither  and  destroy. 
There  comes  he,  like  the  lion  from  his  lair. 

Enter  GIORDANO. 

Gior.  The  hour's  arrived  :  prepare  for  the  assault ; 
Our  glorious  enterprise  is  now  revealed, 
And  willing  slaves  are  armed  to  beat  us  back. 

Cosmo.  The  answer  flashes  on  my  sword's  keen  edge. 

Gior.  For  freedom  boldly  strike. 

Neri.  Our  souls  are  roused, 
A  strength  immortal  now  directs  each  arm, 
And  every  spirit  here  is  mad  for  blood. 

Gior.  Ay,  blood !  upon  a  sea  we'll  sail.     Be  like 
The  torrent  rushing  from  the  mountain  brow, 
Which  nothing  can  resist — like  it  dash  on, 
And  carry  death  and  havoc  in  your  course. 


Scene  IV.  GIORDANO.  95 

Neri.  He  is  your  liege;  now  let  all  kneel  to  him. 

Omnes.  Long  live  Giordano !  Duke  of  Florence,  hail ! 

Gior.  This  is  no  time  for  idle  homage,  friends; 
Arise,  arise,  around  my  banner  flock, 
And  prove  your  love  and  fealty  with  your  swords. 

Alarms.     Enter  the  Ducal  Party,  opposite,  led  on  by  the 
DUKE,  MANIRI,  COLONNI,  CONRADINE,  and  CAVILIDO. 

They  come  !  advance  !  for  liberty  or  death  ! 

Col.  Down  with  the  traitors. 

Gior.  Thoughtless,  prating  fool, 
Thy  doom  is  near  ;  yea,  vengeance  waits  on  all. 

Duke.  Ye  discontented  rabble,  who  obey 
A  lawless  leader,  hear  me,  and  spare  blood. 

Gior.  My  brave  hearts,  on  !  advance  !  for  freedom  strike. 
Let  these  sharp  weapons  be  your  eloquence. 

[Alarms.    A  fight.     GIORDANO  and  his  party 
are  repulsed. 


SCENE  V.      A   Street.     Several   Soldiers  flying. 
Enter  NERI. 

Neri.  Fear  you  the  contest,  in  this  peril  shrink  ! 


96  GIORDANO.  Act  V. 

What,  though  the  tide  against  us  turns,  will  you} 

Borne  by  the  current,  thus  desert  the  field? 

Though  you  should  crouch  as  slaves,  like  cowards  fly, 

I  will  alone — alone,  defy  them  still. 

Yea,  while  my  arm  hath  strength  to  wield  this  weapon, 

I  will  fight  on.     I  will  not  bow  the  neck, 

In  suppliance  low,  before  this  dotard  Duke, 

But  die,  or  conquer,  as  a  freeman  should. 

Ah  !  now  I  see  you're  men  :  Then  on  with  me.       [Exeunt. 

Alarms.     A  pause,  then  Enter  CONRADINE. 

Conrad.  I  will  have  wide  revenge  !  see,  his  legions  fly ! 
Where  is  the  master  fiend  ?     Would  I  might  meet  him. 

[Exit. 


SCENE    VI.       The    Palace    Court.       Alarms— a  pause. 
Enter  GIORDANO. 

Gior.  My  cause  is  hopeless,  but  my  heart  is  strong, 
And  I  will  brave  them  to  the  last.     Strike  on ! 
Where  is  my  evil  star !  Come,  viper,  come! 
I'll  fight  amid  the  hottest  of  the  fray. 
What  now? 


Scene  VI.  GIORDANO.  97 


Enter  an  OFFICER. 

Offi.  All's  lost,  all's  lost. 

Gior.  Thou  coward  fool, 
Were  all  like  thee,  we  surely  were  undone ; 
Hence  to  the  strife,  else  I  will  cleave  thee,  slave.  [Exit  Offi. 
Yea,  e'en  in  this  extremity  of  ill, 
I  will  not  play  the  scorpion,  but  I'll  fight 
Though  death  before  me  yawns.     Villain,  speak  out. 

Enter  an  OFFICER. 

Offi.  My  lord,  not  e'en  a  gleam  of  hope  remains  : 
The  lion-hearted  in  a  rally  fell, 
Buried  mid  countless  heaps  of  daring  friends. 

Gior.  Still  1  am  unsubdued !    I  cannot  weep  thee  ! 
Like  Gorgon's  blood,  thine  falls  into  the  earth  ; 
From  every  drop  shall  start  an  armed  man, 
To  wreak  wide  vengeance  on  this  royal  brood. 
I'll  never  yield. 

Offi.  Hear  me,  my  noble  lord : 
What  will  thy  arm  against  a  host  avail  ? 
At  yonder  turn,  some  chosen  friends  await, 
To  give  thee  escort  hence. 

13 


98  GIORDANO.  Act  V. 

Gior.  What !  bid  me  flee  ? 
Never  :  this  is  my  throne  or  sepulchre. 
Away!  [Exit  Officer. 

Enter  COKRADINE. 

Ah  !  have  we  met !  I  thank  thee,  Heaven  ; 
I'm  satisfied ! 

Conrad.  Can  face  so  foul  as  thine 
Look  on  the  day  ?  Is  light  not  dazzling  to  thee  ? 
Is  not  the  air  too  pure  for  such  a  fiend  ? 

Gior.  Thou  blaster  of  my  hopes  !  I  have  no  words  : 
Hark,  hark  !  thy  death  knell  tolls.     I  may  not  live, 
But  thou  shalt  not  exist  to  triumph  o'er  me. 

Conrad.  Hast  not  enough  of  guilt  upon  thy  soul  ? 
Then  yield  thee,  rebel,  to  thy  country's  law. 

Gior.  Dastard  !  darest  use  such  taunting  phrase  to  me  ? 
If  thou'rt  a  man,  nay,  if  thou  art  and  more, 
Thy  hour  is  come, — for  I,  myself,  am  here. 
Prepare  !  Come  on  !  [They  fight. 

Enter  I  MELD  A. 

Imel.  Hold,  hold!     Be  duke,  be  king, 
Be  any  thing,  but  O  !  in  mercy  spare  him. 


Scene  VI.  GIORDANO.  99 

Gior.  Away,  vile  woman  !  hence,  I  say,  begone  ! 

Else  will  a  direr  fate  than  his  be  thine. 

« 
Conrad.  Peace,  peace,  my  love ;  I  will  avenge  thy  wrongs. 

Gior.  Thou  shalt  not  'scape,  nor  shalt  thou  parley  more  ; 
Thy  friends  approach — my  heart  thirsts  for  thy  blood. 

Conrad.  That  hapless  one  has  as  an  angel  come, 
To  give  assurance  that  the  just  will  conquer. 
A  giant's  power  is  in  this  arm.     Traitor  I 

Gior.  Prepare !  my  sword  shall  drink  thy  blood,  and  hers. 
[Alarms.     They  fight.     GIORDANO  falls. 

Conrad.  I  will  protect  thee,  love:  behold  the  traitor. 
Cheer  up ;  thou  wilt. 

Imel.  Thou  art  alive  !  O  thanks  ! 

Conrad.  Hark,  hark !  the  cry  is  victory  ! 

Imcl.  But  Bella 

Hears  it  not ;  for  her  own  traitress  hand 
Hath  paid  her  great  account. 

Enter    the    DUKE,    CAVILIDO,    MANIRI,   COLONNI,     and 
Attendants. 

Duke.  We  are  victorious  ! 
To  thee,  brave  friend,  we  owe  the  great  result, 
This,  thy  reward,  and  live  long  years  of  bliss. 

Gior.  Ay,  blisters  !  live  ;  and  be  this  world  thy  hell, 


100  GIORDANO.  Act  V. 

A  burning  hell  to  all.     Within  thy  veins 

May  blood  like  lava  course,  an  endless  fire. 

May  all  thy  joys  connubial  turn  to  pain, 

And  give  vile  monsters  birth  :  and  may  the  crown 

Upon  thy  head,  be  as  a  scorching  zone, 

To  torture  thee  through  ages. 

Imel.  O! — horror! 

Gior.  The  furies  come  with  a  triumphal  car, 
To  bear  me  onward  to  the  Ducal  throne  ! 
Hark !  millions  hail  me  duke  !     Gods  !  what  is  this  ? 

[Dies. 

Diike.  Lo !  how  ambition  and  unlawful  pride 
Hath  lost  a  stately  bark. — Look  where  it  lies, — 
Forced  by  the  waves  of  passion's  stormy  sea, 
Upon  the  shoals  of  crime — a  worthless  wreck. 


The  Curtain  fatts. 


EPILOGUE. 
BY  PROSPER  M.  WETMORE. 

SPOKEN    BY    MRS.    HILSON. 

[Spoken  at  the  Wing.] 

NAY — Mr.  Barry — 'tis  indeed  too  hard, 
Thus  late  to  send  me  forth,  to  please  the  bard  ; 
I  do  not  like  an  Epilogue— the  play 
Is  long  enough — well,  if  I  must  obey, 
I'll  try. 

[Enter*.] 

The  Author's  fate  I've  come  to  ask — 
A  five-act  Tragedy's  a  fearful  task — 
Glad  plaudits  cheer  the  lucky  wight  who  wins, 
But,  failing,  all  the  town  will  count  his  sins. 
What  say  ye  then? — I  hope  the  question's  clear. 
Now  pray  don't  smile — I'm  looking  for  a  tear. 
Ah !  yes,  on  many  a  blooming  cheek  I  trace 
The  pearly  drop  that  gems  the  speaking  face. 
Nay,  blush  not,  ye,  of  manhood's  sterner  heart, 
Nor  shame  to  own  the  influence  of  our  art : 
No  greener  wreath  will  circle  round  your  name, 
Than  feeling  twines,  and  sympathy  may  claim. 

The  plot — how  like  you  that  ?  is't  good  or  ill  ? — 
The  denouement  must  show  the  master  skill — 
The  characters — well  drawn  ?  the  interest — strong  ? 
The  time — nor  short  for  action,  nor  too  long? 


102 

The  incidents,  arranged  with  cunning  hand, 
To  hold  attention  breathless  at  command  ? 
On  all  of  these,  in  judgment  you  must  sit, 
And  try — the  poet's  strength,  or  lack  of  wit. 
Before  the  bar  of  taste  we  bring  our  cause, 
And  I'm  retained  to  plead  for  your  applause. 

Poetic  justice,  sure  the  bard  hath  shown — 
The  villain  dies,  his  plots  are  overthrown ; 
The  lady  lives — the  lover  too  survives — 
We  are  not  prodigal  of  tragic  lives. 
Critics  may  deem  this  faulty — 'tis  to  you, 
Ye  kindly  fair,  for  pardon  we  must  sue. 
Ye  would  not  see  the  fond  confiding  maid, 
By  ruthless  violence  in  marble  laid, 
Nor  wish  that  manly  heart  should  cease  to  beat, 
To  make  the  catalogue  of  deaths  complete ; 
No — rather  will  we  dare  the  critic's  fiat, 
Than  needlessly  disturb  your  bosom's  quiet. 
Besides,  you  know,  if  death  were  thus  in  vogue, 
I  could'nt  come  to  speak  the  Epilogue. 
— Between  us,  don't  believe  in  tragic  sorrow — 
The  dead  will  all  be  well  enough  to-morrow. 

Friends  of  the  drama,  for  the  drama's  weal — 
With  hands  to  speak  how  well  your  hearts  can  feel- 
Our  author  asks  for  your  approving  voice ; 
Your  smiles  can  bid  his  anxious  heart  rejoice. 
No  fame-nursed  laurels  bloom  upon  his  brow ; 
His  first  appeal  is  made  for  favor  now. 
Then,  patrons — shall  I  say  our  cause  is  won  ? 
I  see  the  verdict's  right — my  plea  is  done, 


NEW-YORK  : 

CI.AYTO.V   k    VA.V   NORDKN,  PRINTERS, 
\o.  49  William-street. 


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